Section: Newquay to Perranporth

Length: 13 miles (20km)

Distance from Minehead to Newquay: 190.8

Distance from Perranporth to Poole: 429.7

Grading: Moderate to strenuous

Height gained (and also lost): 1582ft (482m)

Summary:

After leaving Newquay harbour, keeping a lookout for the Kittiwake colony on the cliffs out to Towan Head, the Path crosses the famous Fistral Beach. The route across the River Gannel varies depending on season, tide and weather conditions and therefore you will need to plan ahead. Either way there is plenty to see, including beautiful salt marsh plants and many species of wading birds enjoying the worms and crabs. The West Pentire headland is a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its breathtaking seasonal wildflowers such as the June poppies and corn marigold flowers in the arable fields overlooking Crantock Beach. Fantastic views of the seabirds around the offshore twin pyramids of Carter’s Rocks await around the next headland as you approach the dunes of Holywell and Perran Sands. It is important to follow signs around Perran Bay as you will be passing Ministry of Defence land. Walking across the dunes can be very tiring, but if the tide is right out you can walk to Perranporth across the beach.

Highlights along the path:

• The tiny white Huer’s hut overlooking Newquay Bay. The Huer was a lookout who had the important job of alerting the fishermen when shoals of pilchards were spotted in the bay.
• Crossing the River Gannel: You have a number of options including taking the summer ferry, using one of the tidal bridges southeast of Pentire or following the main road and taking the alternative route through Trevemper.
• The birds who enjoy the sandy haven of the Gannel estuary. Thousands of birds travel here to find winter shelter, including ringed plover, greenshank, dunlin, curlew and teal.
• Crantock Beach backed by a grassy plateau called Rushy Green.
• Fantastic views from Pentire Point West. This area is owned by the National Trust who are keen to encourage wild flowers and grasses.
• The hidden beach of Porth Joke.
• Holywell Beach dunes, home to hundreds of different insects. You may also see dolphins from here.
• Penhale Point with Iron Age defences still visible. Fantastic views here stretch to St Agnes Head and Godrevy Point and St Ives beyond.
• Looking south from Ligger Point over the 2 mile stretch of golden sands of Perran Beach.
• The view across the sands of Perran Beach from Droskyn point with its natural rock arch. This is a good place to watch the surfers of Perranporth.
• The Millennium sundial located on the point of the Droskyn mine overlooking Perren Bay. The dial shows ‘Cornish times’ which are 20 minutes behind GMT.

Worth a look (interesting places close to the path):

• Newquay Aquarium.
• St Piran’s cross and the ruins of the 12th century church of St Piran on the dunes behind Perran Beach.
• The village of Crantock with its Norman church. A church has been sited here since 600AD. The Round Garden in the centre of the village is a tranquil orchard owned by the National Trust and is thought to be the site of one of 7 Celtic chapels.
• Nansmellyn Marsh Nature Reserve is a Cornwall Wildlife Trust reserve east of Perranporth, and is said to be one of the few remaining untouched areas of reedbed in Cornwall, home to otters and warblers.

Shorter option:

Holywell (8.1 miles, 13 km)

Longer option:

Walk to St Agnes (an additional 5.5 miles, 8.9 km to St Agnes Head)

Public transport info:

There are a number of train and bus services running between Plymouth and the Newquay area, including the direct National Express Coach service 505 and the First Great Western trains to Par and then Newquay. The 403, 87 and 501 buses run between Newquay and Perranporth. For details visit Traveline or phone 0870 6082608.

Refreshments:

You can stock up on refreshments at the beginning of your walk in Newquay, which has numerous restaurants, shops, pubs and cafes to choose from. Establishments that serve local produce include Taste of the West members The Headland Hotel on Fistral Beach which serves locally sourced fresh produce in their Sand brasserie or restaurant. Tel: 01637 87221, Rock Island Bistro. Alexander Road, Porth, Newquay: A family run restaurant overlooking the beach, Tel: 01637 877271 and Morris Pasties, with their award winning Cornish pasty selection, 3 Gover Lane, Newquay. Further refreshments can be found at Pentire, Holywell Bay and Perranporth. For locally sourced produce you may like to try Taste of The West member The Green Parrot pub in Perranporth, tel: 01872 573350.

Nearest Car park:

Newquay, (Postcode for Sat Navs: TR7 1PF) Towan Head, Fistral Beach, Pentire, West Pentire, Holywell and Perranporth.

Toilets:

Newquay, Towan Head, Fistral Beach, Pentire, Holywell and Perranporth.

More information:

Newquay Tourist Information Centre Tel: 01637 854020 Perranporth Tourist Information Centre Tel: 01872 575254

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