Rinsey Cove (Porthcew)

Cornwall Information & Accommodation Guide

Rinsey Cove, also known as Porthcew, is located on the south coast of Cornwall between Praa Sands and Porthleven.

Owned by the National Trust, this west facing beach is backed by steep cliffs and stands beneath the mine engine house of Wheal Prosper.

During the summer the beach consists of fine, white sand. The beach is fairly large at low water with rock ledges on either side with many rock pools. There is little or no beach at high tide. During the winter, storms sometimes move the sand offshore, leaving the beach covered in smooth granite boulders.

Porthcew is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its geology and is also important for wildlife.

As many as 23 species of butterfly have been spotted fluttering around the vegetation above the beach.

Rinsey Cove is popular with anglers.

A hundred metres to the south between the rocks is a deep natural pool

Parking is nearby in a small National Trust car park.

Safety equipment on the path above the beach.
No lifeguard service.

Not suitable for swimming except at high tide as there are powerful currents at Rinsey Head.

Surfing can be good here.
Good snorkelling

There are no facilities at Porthcew.
The nearest are at Praa Sands and Ashton.

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Location:
SW 5927 2689
On leaving the car park turn right off the coast path and follow the path downhill.

Road directions to Rinsey Cove (Porthcew)

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