Portreath

Arriving from the coast path you will find the appealing village of Portreath sprawling along the valley bounded by streams running down from the valley on either side. The centre of activity is situated around and behind the unusually narrow harbour, once one of the busiest ports in Cornwall shipping out copper ore and tin and taking in coal from Wales. Everything is nicely compact for walkers arriving on the South West Coast Path into Portreath.

The sand and shingle beach is a popular haunt for more advanced surfers, the shore break here renowned for its “vortex” surf break.  Surfing gear can be rented here if you wish to try it yourself!

There are a handful of shops, cafes, pubs and licensed restaurants and the beach is a secluded expanse of sand and shingle ideal for swimming and surfing.

Offshore the route to the harbour is signed by impressive Gull Rock. Stroll around the village to the south to spot the cannons of the Battery House that were here to counter any unwelcome French attack.

Closer to the quay and to the Coastguard lookout, seek out the Deadman's Hut, which was the temporary mortuary for the many wreck victims that landed here.

The original loading ramps of the port can still be seen from the village and some of the tramways used for transporting the ore from the mines by horse drawn wagons have now been made into excellent cycle paths. These paths connect to the Mineral Tramways route right across Cornwall offering a great off-road route (and a shortcut!) to reaching the South Coast near Devoran. Bike hire can be arranged for anyone staying here for a day off the Cornish Coastal Path.

If you fancy a dip, look out for the remains of the local landowners saltwater bathing baths. These were cut into the rocks for bathing by the Bassett family at various different levels to allow for the tide - one was even inside a cave reached by a metal ladder. A larger seawater pool has been created in the rocks on the eastern end of the beach for those looking for a more sedate cooling off.

Away from the coast, it is a pleasant evening stroll to  Tehidy House and Country Park, just a mile inland, with a great range of trails and paths.