Across the border - Poldhu to Mullion Cove - a short walk using the South West Coast Path



Short Walks (up to one day) Suitable for Geology Suitable for Scenery
Walk name: Across the border - Poldhu to Mullion Cove
: Poldhu Cove Car Park
Finish location: Poldhu
Distance: 4 miles (6km)
Grade Moderate/Difficult
Terrain This section is generally easy walking on the top of the cliffs with a few steep-sided coves to cross. The main hazard is likely to be stiles made of serpentine, which walkers' boots polish and which become treacherous when they are wet.
Circular Walk: Yes
Free from obstacles & steep gradients: No

Walk description:

Robin Bates and Bill Scolding have produced a book of seven coastal walks exploring the geology of the Lizard Peninsular called 'Beneath the skin of the Lizard - Seven Coastal Walks Exploring the Geology of the Lizard Peninsular.' The seven walks in this book take you under the skin of the Lizard Peninsular. This walk is 'Across the border - Poldhu to Mullion Cove.'

The cliffs along this walk once buckled under pressure as the earth-shattering continental collision heaved up the Lizard rocks. You'll see the boundary fault itself at Polrurrian and as you cross the geological frontier from slates to schists, you'll see chaos and upheaval folded in to the rocks.

An extract from the booklet including a detailed description of the walk along with information on the wildlife and history of the area can be viewed and printed by clicking on the 'Printer friendly page' button on the right.

Public transport information:
The walk is served by the Truronian bus service. For details visit Traveline or phone 0871 200 22 33
Toilets:
Poldhu Cove; Mullion Cove
Nearest Car parks:
Poldhu Cove(Postcode for Sat Navs: TR12 7JB).
Nearest refreshments:
Poldhu Beach Cafe
Further Information:
Helston and Lizard Tourist Information Centre or visit the website
Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
OS Explorer Map number: 103
booklet image Booklets available: A 36 page guidebook ‘Beneath the Skin of The Lizard’ is available from local Tourist Information Centres or can be purchased online from the South West Coast Path Association webshop for £3.75.

Path News
* The 2010 Coast Path Photo Competition
* How to see the walks in Google Earth.

Back
PICTURE: Mullion Cliffs. Photographer Stephen Scott.
Mullion Cliffs. Photographer Stephen Scott.

Click to enlarge
Click map to enlarge This map is reproduced from Ordnance Survey material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office © Crown copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. The Countryside Agency. Licence Number: 100018881
View this walk in Google Maps (2d view) or Google Earth (3d view). Click here for tips on using them.
  • Mullion Cove to Lizard Point and villageMullion Cove to Lizard Point and village
  • Distance: 8 miles (13km)
  • Walk description: This walk is from the picturesque Mullion Cove, along the wild and exposed cliffs of the west coast of the Lizard Peninsula, past some beautiful sheltered coves, to Lizard Point, the southernmost point of mainland Britain.
  • View details »
  • Predannack Wollas, Mullion CircularPredannack Wollas, Mullion Circular
  • Distance: 5 miles (8km)
  • Walk description: Geologically and therefore botanically unique coastal walk crossing part of the Lizard National Nature Reserve. Then inland with a stone cross and marvellous views across Mounts Bay to Penwith. Some stunning cliff top walking and inland can be muddy on high land above Mullion.
  • View details »
  • Ruan Minor to Cadgwith to PoltescoRuan Minor to Cadgwith to Poltesco
  • Distance: 2 miles (3km)
  • Walk description: Robin Bates and Bill Scolding have produced a book 'Five Walks around Ruan Minor and Cadgwith.' One of the walks is detailed here ' Ruan Minor-Cadgwith-Poltesco.'
  • View details »


Rate this walk

Report a problem



Printer friendly PDF file