Section: Perranporth to Portreath

Length: 12 miles (20km)

Distance from Minehead to Perranporth: 203.5

Distance from Portreath to Poole: 417.3

Grading: Moderate to strenuous

Height gained (and also lost): 2454ft (748m)

Summary:

Leave the bustling seaside resort of Perranporth behind as the Path passes through an ancient coastal mining district following rugged cliff tops. The mines along this stretch are home to bats, including the rare Greater Horseshoe bat. Not only do you pass many remnants of the mining industry, but you will also see some fascinating geology along the way, especially around Cligga Head. The Path can prove difficult in places with some tiring ascents and descents, but there are also some more restful sections with level walking above high, sheer cliffs and fantastic views of your journey ahead. Look out for razorbills, guillemots and kittiwakes nesting around St Agnes Head.

Highlights along the path:

• 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.
• The mineral stripes in the granite rocks of Cligga Head. Look out for the copper staining in the rocks on the beach below.
• Hanover Cove: named after the Hanover which was wrecked in a storm in 1763 losing some of its cargo of gold coins. Divers have recovered the ship’s bell, a musket and shot and many iron guns, however much of the treasure is said to be still buried under sand on board the wreck.
• Seal spotting around Newdowns Head.
• Spectacular views from St Agnes Head. This area is favoured by hang-gliders.
• Looking out to Bawden Rocks (also known as Man and His Man) and watching the colonies of guillemots and razorbills and even puffins. You may also spot a few swimmers who attempt to swim out to the rocks in the summertime.
• The remains of the dramatic cliff top tin mining buildings of Wheal Coates.
• Chapel Porth, renowned for its great surf. At low tide the white sands stretch on to the next beach at Porthtowan.
• Sally’s Bottom: note the contrasting Portugese granite steps leading down to the cove. Apparently ‘bottoms’ is a tin mining term.
• The white Pepperpot daymark above Portreath harbour.

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

• Take one of the paths inland to St Agnes Beacon (629ft) with panoramic views of the coast from St Ives to Trevose Head, the village of St Agnes and inland to mid Cornwall. The Beacon was once a site for warning fires in times of danger and was used when the 16th century Armada advanced towards the English shores.
• Visit the historic parish of St. Agnes with its Sea Captain’s cottages known as ‘Stippy Stappy’. There is a museum housed in the former chapel of rest, which has information about mining, farming, folklore and maritime history. Open 10.30-5pm until end of Oct.
• Walk through the beautiful Jericho Valley inland from Trevellas Porth. This stretch is also known as Blue Hills due to the blue slate and is full of mining relics.

Shorter option:

Walk to St Agnes (5.5 miles, 8.9 km) or Porthtowan (8.3 miles, 13.4 km)

Longer option:

Due to lack of accommodation close to the Path, it is recommended that you stop at Portreath, however if you really want to continue there are a number of campsites around Gwithian (an additional 7.6 miles, 12.2 km).

Public transport info:

Direct First Great Western trains run from the mainline station in Plymouth to Truro and Redruth. You can then catch a bus from either of these towns to Perranporth or Portreath. The Western Greyhound 501 bus service runs 4 or 5 times a day directly between Perranporth and Portreath, otherwise you can take a bus to Redruth where you can change to travel on to Portreath. For details visit Traveline or phone 0870 6082608.

Refreshments:

There are shops and cafes in Perranporth where you can stock up on refreshments for the day ahead. You can find more refreshments in the cafes and pubs of St Agnes. For local produce try Taste of the West member The Driftwood Spars Hotel and Brewery at Trevaunce Cove, tel: 01872 552428. There are also cafes, bars and tearooms at Porthtowan, including the popular Big Barn member the Blue Bar positioned right on the beach, tel: 01209 890 329. At the end of your journey you will find a small selection of shops and cafes in Portreath.

Nearest Car park:

Perranporth,(Postcode for Sat Navs: TR6 0LG), Cligga Head, Trevaunance Cove, St Agnes Head, Chapel Porth, Porthtowan and Portreath.

Toilets:

Perranporth, Trevaunance Cove, Chapel Porth, Porthtowan and Portreath.

More information:

Perranporth Tourist Information Centre Tel: 01872 575254. St. Agnes Tourist Information Centre Tel: 01872 554150. Email: ticstagnes@yahoo.co.uk

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