Portscatho to Pendower Beach
Walk
Cornwall Coast Path

Cornwall Information & Accommodation Guide

Portscatho to Pendower Beach - Cornwall Coast Path Approx. 3.5 miles (5.6 km)


This section of the coast path along the south coast of Cornwall takes you from the pretty fishing village of Portscatho, past several secluded beaches and an ancient burial site in the parish of Gerrans to Pendower Cove with its fascinating geology.

Portscatho, meaning 'harbour of boats' has two beaches, The Porth and Tatams which are joined at low tide. The walk starts on North Parade behind The Porth. Follow the road passing Tatams Beach. The road ends and becomes the coast path.

The path leads you towards Porthcurnick Beach. If you want to visit the beach look out for the granite steps down the cliff. Otherwise carry on straight up the other set of steps in front of you to the brow of the hill.

Looking offshore from the beach you will see Bass Rock, probably named for the sea bass fishing in this locality. There is good snorkelling in the area around Bass Rock.

As you walk out towards the small headland look back for great views of Portscatho. Ahead of you is Pednvadan with its NCI Lookout Station.

Porthcurnick Beach and Pednvadan are owned by the National Trust.

The path hugs the cliff edge crossing several stiles. The small hamlet of Rosevine is just inland.

The coast path now drops down onto Porthbean Beach. Enjoy this long sandy beach for a while or walk the short distance along the beach to rejoin the coast path.

Take the path uphill and keep right when you reach the fork. The path passes through some small trees and bushes providing you with occasional glimpses of the beach. Ignore the path leading to the left. At the head of the path cross a stile into an open field. There are excellent views of Gerrans Bay and you can see Pendower Beach in the distance.

Follow the path diagonally across the field and cross the wooden footbridge.

The path climbs slightly and you cross a double wooden stile and enter a field. The path here runs above the northerly part of Porthbean Beach. Follow the path across another footbridge and a stile.

You are now on Creek Stephen Point. On your left is the Round House, a Bronze Age barrow (tumulus).

At the 3-way signpost another footpath leads inland to Curgurrell Farm. Pendower Cove is now only 1 mile away. Stay on the coast path and continue around Creek Stephen Point. The sandy beach below is called Creek Stephen.

Pass through the field and cross the wooden stile. The path goes through a small wood and onto Treluggan Cliff which is owned by the National Trust.

You are now approaching Pendower Beach. The beach is long and at this western end there are rocks offshore known as Pibyah Rock, a good place for snorkelling.

Continue along the path through the bracken. The path climbs towards a white building, formerly the Pendower House Hotel. Follow the path along low cliffs towards the building.

The path takes you out onto Rocky Lane, a public road so look out for vehicles. Turn right and continue down Rocky Lane towards the beach, passing a small car park. At the bottom of the lane just before the beach is the Pendower Beach House Hotel, currently closed and awaiting redevelopment. Some of the buildings date from the 16th century. The site is private so please do not enter.

Before moving on to the next section of the coast path why not explore Pendower Beach and its fascinating geology. Its striking geological exposures can be seen in the low cliffs along the eastern part of the beach.


Public Transport

Bus service 50 between Truro and St Mawes.

Service operated by Transport for Cornwall.

Visit Cornwall Public Transport for latest timetables


OS Explorer Map 105 - Falmouth and Mevagissey, Truro and St Mawes

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