Tim Woolcock Photography
Matthew Jessop
LIFESTYLE |
Penwith
Matthew Jessop
WALKING
We explore the breathtaking landmarks on the South West Coast Path surrounding the Penwith peninsula. é ABOVE
White sand and crystal-clear waters at Porthgwarra
BELOW Breathtaking scenes from the Minack Theatre
F
rom white sand beaches with crystal clear waters to some of Cornwall’s most impressive mining remains, myths of mermaids, an island castle and an outdoor theatre chiselled into the cliffs – there’s so much to see on Cornwall’s Penwith peninsula. And one of the best ways to experience it all is on foot. So, with that being said, here are some of the top walks we can recommend around Cornwall’s wild and beautiful Penwith coast. Porthcurno, Porthgwarra and Gwennap Head A circular walk from Porthcurno, passing the Minack Theatre, St Levan’s Holy Well, Porthchapel and Porthgwarra beaches, to Gwennap Head where the English Channel meets the Atlantic; you can also see Runnel Stone reef, a frequented shipwreck site for divers. The crystal-clear waters and white sand beaches in this area are sure to mesmerise you, as is the striking setting of the Minack Theatre. Land’s End A circular walk on the rugged cliffs at mainland Britain’s most westerly point with spectacular views and beautiful wild owers. There’s a tangible sense of Cornwall’s wildness here and you really do feel like you are on the edge of the earth.
Botallack Head A circular walk around Cornwall’s most iconic mining remains, used for the filming of the BBC’s Poldark series. This is a rugged and beautiful area to explore, steeped in Cornish history. Zennor to Gurnard’s Head A circular walk from Zennor along the coast via the sea-smoothed granite boulders at Porthmeor Cove to the site of an Iron Age fort on Gurnard’s Head, returning from the Gurnard’s Head pub on the ancient church way to Zennor. If you stop off at Zennor church you will be able to see the famous carving of the mermaid of Zennor that has inspired numerous children’s books, including Ingo by Helen Dunmore, and The Mermaid of Zennor picture book by Charles Causley and Michael Foreman.
é TOP
St Michael's Mount é INSET
Cornwall's most iconic mining remains at Botallack
St Michael’s Way St Michael’s way is a 12.5-mile walking route between Lelant and Marazion. Due to its historical significance, St Michael’s Way is the only footpath in Britain that is part of the designated European Cultural Route. The route dates back to pre-historic times and is thought to have been used by pilgrims and missionaries who arrived from Ireland or Wales and chose to abandon their ships and walk across the peninsula. You're sure to work up an appetite along the way, so why not head to the White Hart in Ludgvan? Turn to page 40 to find out more.
12 | CORNWALL LIVING
PW--2020--Ed--EHM--Walking Penwith--1.00.indd 2
27/02/2020 13:14
