Walk - The Cove - Gwennap Head - Bosistow, St Levan & Porthcurno

5.1 miles (8.2 km)

Porthgwarra Carpark - TR19 6JR Porthgwarra Carpark

Challenging -

One of four walks around the South West Coast Path starting from Gwennap Head; but with as many as seven different loops all leaving from the Porthgwarra car park, there are many possible mix-and-match routes, providing a walk for every occasion! There are cliffs and blowholes, saints and seabirds, theatres and underwater communications systems, all spread around an area of heathland dotted with the relics of the past and fringed with crystal waters lapping on sandy coves.

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.

Land's End Hostel and B&B , Trevescan

Family run boutique Hostel and B&B, 1/2mile from Lands End. Great for walkers, cyclists, Lejog. Close to The Minack, St Just Airport & Sennen.

Porthcurno Barns Holiday Rentals

Family run holiday homes nestled in the peaceful seaside hamlet of Trendrennen, within walking distance of the stunning Porthcurno, Pedn Vounder and the Minack Theatre

The Studio

The architect designed Studio is located on the west side of Penberth valley in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, 8 mins walk from the Path.

The Dairy Barn

We offer self-catering accommodation in the centre of the Land's End peninsular, with multiple properties including 3 barn conversions (sleep 2). Single and 2 night stays available call to find out availability.

Bosavern House

Quality B&B accommodation on the dramatic Lands End peninsula. Close to the historic mining town of St Just. An ideal base to explore the beautiful surrounding area.

Caravan in the Meadow

Cosy caravan with all mod cons, located in meadow with beautiful views. Discounts and lifts for SWCP walkers.

The Old Post House B&B

The Old Post House B&B provides the perfect base for a comfortable stay in light and spacious rooms in a classic, granite house close to the centre of St Just.
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.

Porthgwarra Cove Cafe

A welcome stop off on the Path for coffee, light lunches and cream teas. Open 10 am - 3pm 7 days a week (check facebook). so£pmip

The Commercial

The Commercial is a friendly, family run inn with 4 star accredited accommodation, serving locally sourced food and drink.

What is on your list of things to do when you visit the Path? From walking companies, to help you tailor your visit, with itineraries and experts to enhance your visit, to baggage transfer companies and visitor attractions there are lots to people and places to help you decide what you'd like to do. The businesses that support the Path, where you've chosen to visit, are listed here.

PK Porthcurno - Museum of Global Communications

Discover a museum experience that explores the story of our interconnected world, and how a tranquil valley in Cornwall became host to the past, present and future.

The Minack Theatre

Built on the cliffs above Porthcurno, the Minack is a Cornish landmark. Visitors can explore the theatre and enjoy performances in an iconic space.

Interactive Elevation

Route Description

A longer loop westwards around the coast, crossing inland to Porthcurno before returning along the South West Coast Path above the sandy cove at Porth Chapel. At Porthcurno the Submarine Telegraphy Museum celebrates a century of international communications centred on this tiny hamlet, after the first undersea cables connecting Britain with her Empire were run from here in 1870. The Minack Theatre is perched dramatically on the cliffs above, with Treryn Dinas and the Logan Rock a spectacular backdrop to the open-air performances that have been taking place here since the first production, 'The Tempest', was put on in 1932. At Porth Chapel the fifth century hermit St Levan built himself a tiny hermitage on the hillside, with a holy well nearby, and a hamlet grew up around the medieval church on the top of the hill.

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 to drop down the road towards the sea and pick up the South West Coast Path on your right above the tiny beach. Follow the path around Gwennap Head to carry on around the cove at Porth Loe. Stay with the Coast Path as it pulls out around Pellitras Point and Black Carn, carrying on above Folly Cove and cutting across the headland Carn Barra to walk above Zawn Kellys and on to Pendower Coves.
  2. When the path starts to pull out around the far side of the cove and the open heathland on your right gives way to fields, take the path leading inland to a grassy lane.Carry on along the lane and then the road, ignoring the track from the left a short way on, to bear right around Bosistow Farmhouse.
  3. Take the footpath on the right before the farmhouse, going through the left-hand hedge of the first field and crossing the next two diagonally to turn left on the road before Arden-Sawah ('Silver Stream') Farm. Fork right at the junction and walk past a footpath along a lane on your left to take the next footpath on the left, on a gentle right-hand bend. Follow the hedge through two fields, carrying on ahead through the third and fourth to follow the hedges again to come out by St Levan's Church.
  4. For a shortcut follow the road seawards from the church, bearing right to drop down to the South West Coast Path and then turning right to return to Gwennap Head. For the full route to Porthcurno, however, take the footpath leading to the north-east from the churchyard, coming out between the farm buildings at Rospletha. Turn right on the road and follow the dog-leg around to the left to pick up the footpath on the right. On the Coast Path turn right and follow the acorn waymarkers back to the car park at Gwennap Head.

Parking

Porthgwarra Pay and Display Carpark.

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