Walk - Rinsey Head Circular

2.8 miles (4.4 km)

Rinsey Head Car Park - TR13 9SQ Rinsey Head Car Park

Moderate - Undulating Coast Path with firm surface. One moderately strenuous climb.

This walk gives spectacular views of both the Lizard and Penwith Peninsulas and takes in the remains of the area’s mining heritage. The inland sections also have superb views of the sea. Children will love the beach and the romance of the old mine buildings.

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There are a range of wonderful places to lay your head near the Coast Path for a well-earned sleep. From large and luxurious hotels, to small and personable B&B's, as well as self-catering options and campsites. The businesses that support the Path, where you've chosen to visit, are listed here.

Dropped Anchor Sea View Camping

07706832152

Set in an area of outstanding natural beauty a quiet and uncomplicated site with amazing sea views over mounts bay, close to the south west coastal path.

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The Albergue

07375366350

The Albergue, Porthleven

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Old Church Cottage

07817478978

Accommodation for Walkers in the coastal fishing village of Porthleven - £65 for room and breakfast

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Kota Restaurant and Rooms

01326 562407

Rated 4* by the AA, Kota has 3 en-suite rooms, all beautifully furnished and extremely comfortable (à la carte breakfast provided) Award winning restaurant on site offering an evening Tasting Menu.

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Penrose Bunkhouse

01326 554082

On the Coast Path this bunkhouse is ideal for groups. Simple, but with all basic facilities, heated by a wood burning stove. Spectacular sea views,

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Orchard House B&B

07989 773105 / 01326 565021

Bed & Breakfast. En suite double and twin room. Guest sitting room. Full English breakfast. Excellent reviews

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Mellangoose Cottage

07852281434

A cosy room in a cottage that is 2 miles inland from Porthleven. The room has its own bathroom

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Berepper Barns

07443522064

Berepper Barns is a stones throw from the stunning coastal path on the Lizard. We have a 1 & 2 bedroom cottage in Gunwalloe, a peaceful village with a great pub. Min stay 2 nights (1 bed ), 4 nights (2 bed ).

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Upper Deck B&B

01736711098

The Upper Deck B&B has two superb bedroom suites with lovely sea views of St Michaels Mount Castle. The SWCP passes our front door.

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You'll be spoilt for choice for where to eat and drink along the Path. With lots of local seasonal food on offer, fresh from the farm, field and waters. Try our local ales, ciders, wines and spirits, increasing in variety by the year, as you sit in a cosy pub, fine dining restaurant or chilled café on the beach. The businesses that support the Path, where you've chosen to visit, are listed here.

Harbour Inn

01326 573876

The Harbour Inn is a scenic pub with comfy accommodation that lies at the heart of Porthleven, the most southerly port in Britain.

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Route Description

Leaving Rinsey Head Car Park, take the Coast Path heading east towards Porthleven with views stretching down the length of the Lizard peninsula.

The impressive Wheal Prosper engine house, built in 1860, stands before you – evidence that this area was once a hive of mining activity.

Continue along the Coast Path for ½ mile, rounding Trewavas Head, until you come to the junction with another footpath just south of Trewavas Farm.

Step over the stone block that serves as a stile and start to travel west. In front of you will be spectacular views of Mounts Bay and the Penwith peninsula. Continue along the path as it leaves the track and travels through a field to a stone stile. Cross over the stile and continue along the well-worn path.

You will have another opportunity to look down on the engine house at Wheal Prosper.

The path will take you into the heart of the old mining hamlet of Rinsey.

Walk along the road from Rinsey and head towards Ashton. Just past the last house in Rinsey you will find a kissing gate on the left.

Walk through it and continue along the path across a number of fields – keep a lookout for the old stone stiles in order to make sure that you are on the right track. Eventually you will come to the hamlet of Hendra.

At Hendra, turn left and follow the road as it heads down towards Praa Sands. You will be on this single track road for about ¼ mile so keep an ear out for oncoming traffic.

At the end of the road you will reach the far eastern end of Praa Sands beach and the opportunity to rejoin the Coast Path. Start to head back east to where you started.

As the path climbs up above Lesceave Cliffs you will yet again be able to see evidence of former mining activity.

Continue along until you eventually return to the car park at Rinsey Head.

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