Nineteen Secret Beaches: Cornwall - The Far West

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NINETEEN SECRET BEAC HES C O R N WA L L T H E FA R W E S T A GUIDE Lost Coves, Forgotten Beaches, Hidden Inlets By 365 Secret Beaches



CONTENTS Safety ������������������������������������������������������������ 6 Navigation ����������������������������������������������������� 7 Countryside Code �������������������������������������������� 8 Map ����������������������������������������������������������� 10 Introduction ������������������������������������������������� 12 Gwenver ������������������������������������������������������ 14 Cot Valley Beach ������������������������������������������ 16 Priest’s Cove ������������������������������������������������ 18 Portheras Cove ���������������������������������������������� 20 Porthmeor Cove �������������������������������������������� 22 Veor Cove ����������������������������������������������������� 24 Porthgwidden ����������������������������������������������� 26 Porthkidney �������������������������������������������������� 28 Nanajizal ���������������������������������������������������� 30 Porthgwarra ������������������������������������������������� 32 Porthchapel �������������������������������������������������� 34 Porthcurno ��������������������������������������������������� 36 Pedn Vounder ����������������������������������������������� 38 Lamorna Cove ���������������������������������������������� 40 Piskies Cove ������������������������������������������������� 42 Bessy’s Cove ������������������������������������������������� 44 Kenneggy ����������������������������������������������������� 46 Rinsey ��������������������������������������������������������� 48 Breage Beach ����������������������������������������������� 50 Acknowledgements ���������������������������������������� 52

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MAP A Beach Guide to West Cornwall

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1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

Gwenver Cot Valley Beach Priest’s Cove Portheras Cove Porthmeor Cove Veor Cove Porthgwidden Porthkidney Nanjizal Porthgwarra Porthchapel Porthcurno Pedn Vounder Lamorna Cove Piskies Cove Bessy’s Cove Kenneggy Rinsey Breage Beach

7 / Cornwall - The Far West


GWENVER Sennen, Penzance, TR19 7BE

As far west as you can get, Gwenver (sometime spelt Gwynver) is a jewel of the west coast of Cornwall. Rumoured to be named after the mythical wife of King Arthur, Guinevere, Gwenver is a truly spectacular bay that must be experienced at least once. Crystal clear waters of Whitesand Bay lap against golden sands surrounded by a breath-taking granite amphitheatre and a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. With consistent, powerful waves and a large swell window, Gwenver is a great beach for surfers of all abilities and lifeguards patrol the beach throughout the summer months. Strong rip currents can pop up around low tide so be aware of your position and know your limits when swimming. Out to the right-hand side of the bay is Ayre point, a golden granite outcrop that offers excellent sea fishing opportunities. Low tide offers the opportunity to walk around the base of

the cliffs to far busier Sennen where you will find food, drink and toilet facilities. The exotic archipelago of the Scilly Isles can be seen from the top of the cliff on very clear days if you look in a WSW di-

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Directions From St. Just, pass the school and take a left hand turn down onto a narrow road signed Cot Valley. You will find a small car park and from that a small path leading down the valley to the coast. 50.0894, -5.6891

rection. For those wanting to stay a little longer, Trevedra Farm offers excellent camping facilities a stone’s throw from the beach.

9 / The Far West


PORTHCURNO St. Levan, Penzance, TR19 6JX

Porthcurno exhibits beautiful white sand, turquoise waters and dramatic granite cliffs and should be at the top of your beach list if you intend to spend any time in Cornwall. A small cove at high tide expands to a large stretch of sand as the tide drops, perfect for family days out. High up on the cliff to the west of Porthcurno lies the internationally renowned and respected Minack Theatre, an openair theatre and brain-child of Rowena Cade. Constructed above a precipitous gully and granite outcrop, the stage juts outwards into the Atlantic making it one of the most unique open air theatres in the world. Interesting features of the bay include Logan’s Rock, an 80 tonne rocking granite boulder, a short walk east of the beach. By the car park is the Museum of Submarine Telegraphy, giving you a glimpse into the fascinating history of Cornwall’s role in global communications and the first recorded transatlantic message. Cornwall - The Far West / 10


Directions Large car park clearly sign posted, and then take the footpath past the lifeguard hut, down the steps and onto the beach. Alternatively a precarious and bold route can be taken down the cliff from the Minack Theatre car park. 50.0428, -5.6503

11 / Cornwall - The Far West


RINSEY Ashton, Helston, TR13 9SQ

Deep in the heart of mining country is a beautiful beach that has a bit of something for everyone. With the recently restored engine house at the top of the cliffs high above the cove, it offers picture postcard photo opportunities. Rinsey is accessible at low tide, but depending on recent storm activity, sand can build up in the cove and provide a secretive sandy beach directly underneath the cliff at high tide. Walking down the footpath and through the man-made cut in the cliff will bring you down to this secluded beach. Fantastic fishing opportunities can be found off

the rock to the east and west of the cove and the stunning granite formations offer world-class coasteering routes. Look out for “Ray Pool” – a large tidal pool to the east that is fantastic for swimming and jumping. A heavy beach break can be found at low tide with waves breaking in shallow water close to the shore.

Directions Park in the free car park at the top of the cliff and follow the footpath down past the engine house and onto the sand. 50.0933, -5.3666

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Acknowledgements We would like to thank the National Trust for the fantastic work in Cornwall (especially in the maintenance and upkeep of the South West Coastal path) and the local people of West Cornwall for their rich heritage, history and beautiful environment.

Copyright Copyright Š 2014 Contour Guides The moral rights of the author have been asserted. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, used in any form of advertising, sales promotion or publicity, or transmitted in any form or by nay means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission in writing from the publishers, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law. Cover design, maps and all photographs Copyright Š Contour Guides Book Website: 365secretbeaches.co.uk E-mail: 365secretbeaches@gmail.com

Disclaimer Although the author and publisher have made every effort to ensure that the information in this book was correct at press time, the author and publisher do not assume and hereby disclaim any liability to any party for any loss, damage, or disruption caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause.

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