SWCP Section 3, Padstow to St. Ives

The South West Coast Path from Padstow begins with a gentle walk along the Camel Estuary, passing landmarks like Gun Point, Harbour Cove, and the iconic Doom Bar, a shifting sandbank responsible for many shipwrecks. The trail then leads to dramatic cliffs, passing through caves, stacks, and inlets, including Pepper Hole, Butter Hole, and Fox Hole, before reaching the stunning Trevone Bay with its golden sands. Continuing along the rugged coastline, the path takes you to Harlyn Bay, where the scenery remains wild and untamed, before progressing through jagged rocks, dramatic views of the Merope Rocks, and the Trevose Head Lighthouse. The journey culminates at Porthcothan, a hidden beach surrounded by impressive natural beauty.

The South West Coast Path today offers easy walking with stunning coastal views, passing through rocky coves, craggy stacks, and sea-carved caves. The trail passes man-made caves with remnants of old wrecking gangs before reaching the Iron Age Fort at Trescore Island. A steep drop leads to the picturesque Porth Meor Valley, followed by a climb to the heathland at Park View, a haven for Peregrine Falcons. The iconic Bedruthan Steps, with its towering rocky stacks, follows, along with local legends of giant stepping stones and shipwrecks. The path continues over the remains of a failed sea canal project and drops to Mawgan Porth, a beautiful beach, before reaching the expansive sands of Watergate Bay, a popular spot for surfing and extreme sports. The day ends with high cliffs leading to Trevelgue Head, where a detour allows a visit to a fortified Iron Age castle and a dramatic blowhole before reaching Newquay and its nine beaches.

Leaving behind the bustling harbour of Newquay, you head towards Towan Head, passing the 14th-century Huers Hut, where pilchard spotters once alerted fishing boats to shoals. You’ll also see the old lifeboat launch ramp, once requiring 8 horses to haul the lifeboat back to town. Continuing, you reach Fistral Beach, known for its massive waves, including the famous Cribber wave, attracting top surfers. Next, you cross the fast-flowing River Gannel, either by ferry or footbridge, and continue past Crantock village along the coastline, passing through grassy dunes and sandy beaches. At Pipers Hole, listen for the eerie Gannel Crake, and admire the scenery as you reach Pentire Point with its collapsed sea cave. Porth Joke, also known as Polly Joke, is a charming cove with corn marigolds and poppies. The stunning Holywell Bay, with its white sands and rocky stacks, is a highlight and is famous for its appearance in Die Another Day. The beach has a healing cave that has drawn pilgrims for centuries. The path then climbs to Penhale Point, where you’ll pass the Army Camp and enjoy views of Gull Rocks. The final stretch to Perranporth gives you a choice: walk along the three miles of sand on Perran Beach, or take the inland route through sand dunes, passing the grave of St Piran. Your day ends with an overnight stay in Perranporth.

Today's walk takes you through the heart of Cornwall's mining history, traversing a high cliff path above the Cornwall Mining World Heritage Site. The cliffs are stained in vibrant colors from copper, iron, and other minerals, and the area is dotted with abandoned mine shafts and tunnels, some now covered with mesh grills to protect walkers while allowing bats to roost. Along the way, you pass the remains of the British and Colonial Explosive Company, where a massive explosion in 1902 shook buildings 20 miles away. The path skirts a WWII airfield at Trevallas before heading inland to cross the Blue Hills Tin Streams and the old engine house. At Trevaunance Cove, the remnants of an old harbor are visible, with the welcoming town of St Agnes nearby for a lunch break and exploration. Offshore, the Bawden Rocks are home to a variety of seabirds and grey seals. Continuing on, the path climbs to St Agnes Head with breathtaking views, and you reach the iconic Wheal Coates mine, perched on the cliffs. Two beautiful beaches, Chapel Porth and Porthtowan, follow before passing through meadowland filled with wildflowers. The day's walk concludes at the Pepper Pot, a white daymark above Portreath Harbour.

A steep climb this morning takes you to Western Hill, offering stunning views back to St Agnes Beacon and Kelsey Head. From here, you walk along high cliff tops above the crashing waves, surrounded by meadows full of primroses and dog roses. At Ralph’s Cupboard, you’ll encounter a dramatic chasm, a collapsed cave with local legends of a wrecker or a giant. The path then leads you into Carvannel Valley, passing the waterfall at Porthcadjack Cove and reaching the high Reskajeage Downs with panoramic views of the Crane Islands, once connected to Crane Castle. Continuing along, you reach Deadpan’s Cove and Hells Mouth, with its sheer 200-foot drops to the sea and powerful crashing waves. As you climb, the iconic St Michaels Mount comes into view, and the area is known for its seals, particularly around Mutton Cove, where they can often be seen basking in the sun. The dramatic Godrevey Lighthouse, built in 1859, guards the deadly Stones reef, offering stunning views across to St Ives. After passing the pretty village of Gwithian, known for its excellent beach café, you make your way through the sand dunes to Hayle, where your day ends with an overnight stop.

This morning, you begin by crossing the Red River, known for its red color due to the iron oxide from nearby mines. The vibrant red hue extends out into the sea, creating a striking "mini red sea" effect. From here, you enjoy a beautiful 3-mile stretch of golden sands to Hayle. At low tide, you can walk directly along the beach, but at other times, a waymarked route leads you through the dunes of the Towans, known locally as Dynamite Towans due to their history as an explosives factory site. Look out for butterflies, moths, and lizards as you walk. In Hayle, the path follows the road along the Causeway, passing mudflats rich with birdlife, including over 250 species managed by the RSPB. You can stop at Ryan's Field RSPB hide to learn more about the local birds. Continuing along Hayle Lagoon, the path rounds the bay, passes the Badger Inn, and leads to Lelant Church, which marks the start of the St Michaels Way footpath. The churchyard is home to old granite crosses and, in season, a beautiful display of wildflowers. The walk continues past Porth Kidney Sands with views of Godrevey Lighthouse, then through Carbis Bay, where the Knill Monument, a 50-foot obelisk, stands as a landmark. The day ends with a gentle walk into the artistic town of St Ives, known for its vibrant culture and stunning harbour views, completing your South West Coast Path journey.