Section: Coverack to Helford

Length: 13 miles (20km)

Distance from Minehead to Coverack : 313.2

Distance from Helford to Poole: 307.3

Grading: Moderate

Height gained (and also lost): 2175ft (663m)

Summary:

This walk follows the South West Coast Path through a huge variety of different landscapes, involving dramatic cliffs, fishing villages by the sea, lush woodland, beaches, heathland, a working quarry, pastures and a creek crossing. As you leave Coverack the Path crosses fairly flat heathland which is not much above sea level, as this is in fact a raised beach and the original cliffs are a few hundred yards inland. Easy walking leads you around the edge of the Bronze Age field systems of Lowland Point. It is important to follow the signs from here as you will be passing through active quarry workings between Lowland Point and Dean Point. A steep climb out of Porthoustock begins the inland route to Porthallow, where you then join the sea again and walk round Nare Point to the beautiful Gillan Creek. At Gillan Creek there is a feeling of shelter and peace in contrast to the exposed cliffs of The Lizard Peninsula. From here on some sections of the Path are wooded and others offer fine views ahead extending to the lighthouse at St. Anthony Head, the Roseland and the headland of Dodman Point.

Highlights along the path:

• Views of The Manacles: This area of granite reef, close to a major shipping route, extends from Porthoustock to Lowland Point and has been responsible for hundreds of shipwrecks in the past. In 1809 two naval ships, the HMS Primrose and the HMS Dispatch were wrecked here on the same night. Many lives were also lost when two ships transporting emmigrants to America, the John in 1855 and the Mohegan in 1898, were wrecked by these vicious rocks. The Manacles are now very popular with scuba divers who come especially to explore the wrecks and spectacular marine life.
• The fantastic names, including Snail’s Creep, Batty’s Point and Nelly’s Cove.
• The gentle sweep of Godrevy Cove: a beach actually made from quarry waste. The Manacles Reef is just a mile offshore.
• Giant’s Quoits: This stack of stones stood at Manacles Point for hundreds of years, but was moved from the coast to a field between Rosenithon and Porthoustock in order to protect them from possible quarrying damage.
• Parc-an-tidno, Porthallow Vineyard: Planted in 1987, the vineyard specialises in Liqueurs and fruity wines. The ancient farm buildings surround an impressive herb sundial.
• Reaching the sculpture marking the half-way point of the Coast Path at Porthallow, and having your photo taken beside it (see our news item for more details).
• Porthallow is a small, and once thriving fishing village. You can learn more about the history of the village from the fantastic relics and photographs in The Five Pilchards Inn.
• Nare Head and Nare Point with views over Falmouth Bay and the Helford River. The redundant concrete MOD observation Post is a remnant of the Cold War, so securing its survival. Note the change in geology here as you leave the serpentine and schists of the Lizard and cross on to Devonian slate.
• Gillan Creek: Protected from the sea by Dennis Point, there is a sense of calm and a slowness of pace here. You can either paddle across at low water (it's best to avoid using the ancient stepping stones as they are slippery), or walk along the narrow road to the head of the creek and round, enjoying watching the small boats and many birds feeding in the mud. A ferry may also be available, tel: 01326 231357 for information.
• Walking out to Dennis Head: From the Cornish ‘Dinas’ meaning castle, this is the site of prehistoric earthworks, an early celtic fortress and a Royalist fortification.
• The hamlet of St Anthony-in-Meneage: The church, said to have been built by shipwrecked Normans, was rebuilt in the 15th century and has examples of features from a number of periods. There are carved bosses on the wagon roof, 13th century early Gothic architecture in the nave and a 15th century German carving of The Last Supper. At times of high water, the church is almost level with the sea.
• Views of the beautiful Helford Estuary spied through the trees as the path wanders through Boshahan Woods. The river supports many types of fish, sea anemones and shellfish, and a thriving birdlife, such as ducks, egrets, herons, ospreys, kingfishers and fulmers, to name just a few.
• Helford: Owned by the National Trust, Helford is a beautiful riverside village with a few good places to find refreshment and rest at the end of a long day walking.

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

• Manaccan is a pretty, small village at the head of Gillan Creek. Look out for the fig tree growing out of the wall of the church.
• For the most delicious selection of ice-creams, fudge and cream it is well worth the trip inland to Roskilly’s Icecream and Organic Farm at Tregellast Barton, St Keverne, tel: 01326 280479.
• The National Seal Sanctuary, Gweek, near Helston, tel: 01326 221361.
• Frenchman’s Creek: This beautiful, wooded creek gave its name to one of Daphne du Maurier’s most popular novels, which tells the story of a love affair between an English Lady and a French pirate.

Shorter option:

Porthallow (4.9 miles, 7.9 km)

Longer option:

There isn’t a great deal of accommodation near the Path between Helford & Falmouth, although you may find more options inland in Mawnan Smith.

Public transport info:

The regular Truronian T34 bus service runs from Redruth, which has a mainline train station, to Helston and takes just over half an hour. From here you can take the T2 bus service to Coverack. For information about availability of the Gillan Creek ferry tel: 01326 231357. For details visit Traveline or phone 0870 6082608.

Refreshments:

You can stock up on refreshments at the beginning of your walk in the shops of Coverack. There are also cafes, shops and a pub in Porthallow. Further facilities can be found in Helford, which has a cafe, restaurant and pub.

Nearest Car park:

Coverack (Postcode for Sat Navs: TR12 6TB), Porthoustock, Porthkerris Cove, Porthallow, St Anthony-in-Meneage and Helford.

Toilets:

Coverack, Porthoustock, Porthkerris Cove, Porthallow and Helford.

More information:

Helston and The Lizard Tourist Information Centre tel: 01326 565431. A new baggage carrying service has been launched that covers this section - see latest news for details.

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