Walk - Access Walk Park Head

3.0 miles (4.8 km)

Park Head National Trust Car Park Park Head National Trust Car Park

Easy - This is basically a flat route on grass and a short section of dirt track. This route does have 3 gates with dual hinge so you can open them both ways and they are enough for a mobility vehicle. Please be mindful if there has been a lot of rain after the 2nd gate it can be prone to a lot of mud at start of field.

A flat route of just under 3 miles with lots of birdlife, and beautiful coastal scenery.

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.

Macdonalds Farm

Family run campsite for walkers, couples & families. Meet animals, enjoy great food, and relax with live music on weekends in a welcoming coastal setting.

Porthcothan Retreats

Nestled among the idyllic Cornish coastline just off the South West Coast Path lies Porthcothan Retreats, 4 unique cabins each sleeps 2

Treyarnon Bay Holidays

We are a family run business on the South West Coastpath in North Cornwall. We have camping, caravans and cottages available.

YHA Treyarnon Bay

Just 50m from the sea and 10m from coastal footpath offering private rooms, bell tents, pods and pitch up. Licenced Bar and Cafe. Perfect place to rest your head.

Sun Haven Holiday Park

Nestled in 14 acres, our holiday park offers a serene walk through the River Menalhyl woodlands, leading to Mawgan Porth’s dog-friendly beach. Just cross the stream at the bottom of our park and enjoy a 15 minute stroll to see the sea.

Penhalonga B&B

Family run B&B, full English breakfast. Single nights. Call Liz

Higher Pendeen Camping

Advanced bookings only - Award winning, rustic, family-run, friendly, off-grid and ecologically considerate back to basics site with five pitches and Bell Tents.

Waves Beachside Holiday Apartment

Beachside, pet friendly Holiday Accommodation with secure parking & Surfstore. Located on the stunning Southwest Coastpath in the heart of vibrant Watergate Bay, Cornwall

The Annexe Eastholme

Self catering one bedroom apartment, kingsize bed, heating, WiF, fully equipped, linen and towels included, parking. Drying/laundry available for a small fee.

Padstow Holiday Village

Surrounded by greenery and on the cusp of the sea, our Padstow Holiday Village offers the perfect blend of coastal and countryside holidays by nature for all the family, including those on four legs. A short distance to the charming harbour town Padstow.

Coastal Valley Camp and Crafts

Gold award winning rustic family eco campsite. Woodfired Horsebox catering Food and Cocktail barn. Holistic yurt. Topped off with Platinium awarded toilet and showers

Dennis Cove Campsite

Closest campsite to the harbour,10min walk from the Path via the Camel Trail. Serene site bordering the Camel Estuary. A perfect base to explore the Cornish coastline & beaches.
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.

Mid Cornwall Taxis

Welcome to Mid Cornwall Taxis, your trusted transport partner serving Padstow, Wadebridge, Polzeath, Rock, and surrounding areas.

Interactive Elevation

Route Description

The starting point is the small NT Park Head Car Park (PL27 7UU) – it’s worth noting The entrance is a little hidden and not very well signposted, but your Sat Nav should take you right to it. NT car park payment machine there.

  1. The route starts with a gate that can open both forwards and backwards and has a little lever that moves sideways. This takes you along an enclosed track to another gate. This is where you start to see the breathtaking views. Just look to your right !!! incredible!!
  2. Turning to your left you will go along two level fields, if it has been raining a lot it can get quite muddy at the beginning of the first one, but the grass is well kept and flat.
  3. You then come to the last gate and this is where the view definitely takes your breath away. Looking over Bedruthan steps and Newquay in the distance.Sometimes there may be cows in this part so please watch that your dogs are on leads.Following the pathway to your right and just taking in the spectacular views and stunning coastline. This is a level grass terrain and often runners use it.The view just gets better as you see the coastline heading towards Padstow with the lighthouse in the distance. Your second bench will be on your left down a small slope.
  4. As we reached the peninsular we did have to turn around and retrace our steps back as the onward path goes down steps onto the Stoney beach with steps the other side. There are 2 Benches to sit on on this route, both with spectacular views.
  5. After enjoying the panoramic views, turn around and head back the way you came.

Please be mindful it can get very windy there as its a coastline walk and very hot.  There is no shelter to take shade or hide from rain, so please be prepared.

The views are just incredible, and there’s something really special about being able to access a flat stretch of the coastal path in such a peaceful, tucked-away spot.

There aren't any toilets or refreshments on site, but the nearest facilities are just a three-minutes drive away at the Carnewas National Trust location. They also have a café with indoor and outdoor seating.

This really is an escape to nature and lots of birdlife, you may even see one of the famous chough’s! Listening to the waves and the singing of the birds is just pure joy on this brilliant flat coastal route.

Highlights

The best thing about this route is its mainly flat with some gentle slopes and you get to see the ocean in all its glory. With the wind and birds flying overhead, you truly are in nature and can access somewhere magical just like everyone else.

Public transport

There is a bus route going through Mawgan Porth to Padstow. Runs right past the entrance to the Car Park

Parking

Parking in Park Head National Trust Car park. Approx 12 spaces no allocated disabled bay

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