Walk - The Cove- Gwennap Head - Lookout Walk

Route Description

A short loop around the stunning granite cliffs of Tol-Pedn-Penwith ('The Holed Headland of Penwith') where the sea washes dramatically through the blowhole of an underwater cave and two giant cones warn ships of the wicked Runnel Stone just offshore. Look out for climbers on the famous Chair Ladder crag, and the colony of breeding gannets on the nearby cliffs. Many rare seabirds pass through here, too, such as Manx and Sooty's Shearwaters, as well as skuas, petrels and whimbrels.

From The Cove Cornwall take the Lamorna Valley road inland. At the junction with the B3315 turn left signposted Lands End. Follow this road for over 5 miles. After the turning to Porthcurno look for the minor road on the left as the B3315 turns sharp right at Polrigga. Take the turning signposted Porthgwarra 1½ miles. Continue on this road winding past Roskestal Farm until you reach Porthgwarra. Follow the signs to the Pay and Display car park.

1. From the Porthgwarra car park turn left towards the sea and pick up the South West Coast Path on your right above the tiny beach. Follow the path around Gwennap Head, past the lookout station, ignoring the track leading inland just after the lookout, to carry on to the cove at Porth Loe.
2. Take the next path to the right here, bearing right when another path joins from the left, to pick up the track back to the car park.

Parking

Porthgwarra Pay and Display Carpark.