Walking the South West Coastal Path
One of the most beautiful coastal walks I have done (yes this is without kids!) is the stretch of the North coast between Bedruthan and Padstow. With beautiful views of turquoise blue waters and sandy beaches what’s not to love? It took me 5 hours with a bit of time shopping in Padstow before getting the bus back to the car at Bedruthan. If you fancy doing the walk we can always arrange babysitters for you to go and have a little me time. Something we forget to give ourselves!
It started at Bedruthan Steps at the National Trust Car park. If you’re a member of the National Trust you just need to validate your card at the ticket machine for free parking. Follow the signs to the Steps and from there turn right and keep walking! Bedruthan Steps is a beautiful beach but its not for the faint hearted. You have to climb down 120 steps to the beach which is not a safe swimming beach. However at low tide you can walk all the way along the beach in between all the islands.
From Bedruthan, head North to Park Head where you get a view all the way back to Newquay. The sea just keeps on going and on a clear blue day is just stunning. The coast is dotted with all sorts of little coves but as you get closer to Porthcothan it opens up to an expanse of sand.
Treyarnon Bay and Constantine Bay are equally as good. These are all great beaches too for a day out from Glynn Barton Cottages. Most beaches have loo and café facilities and ample parking. The only exception is Constantine where parking is limited.
The jaggedy coastline continues along Booby’s Bay up to Trevose Head. Booby’s is great for a bit of rockpooling at low tide. At this point you have a cheat option if your legs are tired! You can cut out Trevose Head lighthouse and walk straight across to Trevose and Harlyn or you can hot foot it around the headland. I went for the longer option and the lighthouse is stunning. I am mesmerised how it stays so white! You also get to see the RNLI lifeboat station which is tucked into the cliffside. The launch looks more like a log flume and there are some beautiful Art Deco houses tucked into the cliffs too.
Take your trainers off whilst walking along Trevose and Mother Ivey’s Bay for a little paddle too and just enjoy soaking up the sounds of the sea. Its easy to forget what an amazing place we live in sometimes. Its non stop beaches for a while as you meander through Trevone, Gunver head and up to Stepper Point. There is another cheat point from Trevone as you can again cut out the headland and head straight across to Padstow- depends how hungry you are! I took the long route and had a picnic at Stepper Point. There is a little tea garden on the headland too if you are in need of a Cornish Cream Tea and energy boost for the final stint.
The final stint is down the estuary and into Padstow, admiring Daymer Bay and Rock as you go. My Roskilly’s ice cream at the end was well deserved and not to mention my fritter around the beautiful shops of Padstow. Shopping without the hassle of parking!
Time to complete walk: 5 hours ish….
Distance: quite a long way
Fun factor: AWESOME!!!
