Holywell and Kelsey Head - a short walk using the South West Coast Path

Holywell and Kelsey Head

Holywell car park

5 miles (8km)

Moderate

Of moderate difficulty, with some steep climbs through the sand dunes.

Yes

Starting from the car park, take the path leading to the beach to pick up the Coast Path heading north across Holywell Beach and towards Kelsey Head. You will cross the extensive dune system before reaching the cliff top. Here look out for seabirds, seals and classic maritime heathland flowers, particularly in spring. You will also pass the low ramparts of an Iron-Age fort before arriving at the hidden beach of Polly Joke.

From the back of the beach take the inland path to Cubert Common – the largest enclosed common in Cornwall. Climb over a stile when you reach the car park, taking the path to the right to continue across the common. Turn right again after about 650 yards to follow the boundary of the golf course to the kissing gate at the back of the dune system. From here the path through the sand dunes will take you back to Holywell village and on to car park.

Bus service no 87 runs from Newquay to Holywell. For details visit Traveline or phone 0871 200 2233

Holywell

National Trust car park at Holywell (Postcode for Sat Navs:
TR8 5PW).

Holywell

Tourist Information Centre at Holywell.


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	The 2010 Coast Path Photo Competition

	How to see the walks in Google Earth.

Holywell Bay

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

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Crantock - Coast and Estuary
Distance: 2 miles (3km)
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Annette Heath. (12/07/2010)

Fanatastic walk, we have been walking this one for over 40yrs and still love it. Do take time to walk along the beach at Holywell, when the tide is low there are some interesting caves. We see seals and Peregrine Falcons also the entertaining antics of the Ravens. You will spot something new every time you walk this.

Janiekernow (21/02/2009)

Took the family on this walk today, including a five year old. Had fantastic walk, lots of wildlife to see my son loved looking out for the tracks made by the animals on the common. Saw sheep, horses, cows and lots of rabbits. We started out by Polly Joke and walked to Holywell over the common, popped into the pub for refreshments and then came back via the dunes and the beach. We even saw the seals on the way back. Absolutely gorgeous walk and fantastic time had by all. My son was shattered but was able to cope with this walk which is about 5 miles, think he will sleep well!