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21 Newquay coastal walks you cannot miss
Newquay is situated along Cornwall's rugged Atlantic Coast, offering a laid-back charm, world-class surfing beaches, and some of the best coastal walks in the UK. Are you looking for the best Newquay coastal walks?
If you are, you're in luck, as there are plenty of walks to explore. From Newquay, the breathtaking South West Coast Path extends in both directions, affording stunning views at every turn. You can also take more specific walks, like Watergate to Newquay.
Newquay also boasts deep historical roots, with Trevelgue Head and Porth Island being a significant centre of prehistoric civilisation for over 6,000 years. For a great Cornish holiday, embrace the walks outlined here, which showcase this captivating coastal region's full delights and diversity!
Newquay town walk
To begin the list, why not explore the beautiful shoreline of Newquay, where long sandy beaches meet the splashing waves that have earned the town a reputation as one of Britain's premier surf destinations?
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You can begin your walk in any part of Newquay that you fancy. This route starts at the harbour, heading west up the hill towards the historic Huer's Hut, where you can take in the stunning views across the bay.Â
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From there, continue along the coastal path to Towan Head and the famous Fistral Beach, a popular haunt for surfers, where you'll find plenty of cafés, facilities, and shops.
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You can cut back through the dunes towards the town centre for a shorter walk. Or, carry on to Pentire Point to enjoy the vistas of the lush, tropical Crantock Beach. Rounding the headland, follow the picturesque Gannel River (which is dog-friendly all year round), where you can refuel at the waterside Fern Pit Café. Either take a ferry across the beach or continue walking to the hidden cove of Polly Joke.
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This route leads you to Trenance Gardens and the boating lake. Admire the blooms and birdlife during one of the best Newquay coastal walks, and refresh yourself at The Garden Café before winding your way back towards the town centre.
- Length: 5.8 miles
- Difficulty: Easy-moderate
Watergate Bay to Newquay (via bus)
If you want to explore many different beaches during your Newquay coastal walk and witness panoramic coastal views of Newquay – this is the perfect walk for your family day out!
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You'll start with a short bus ride (number 56 bus) from Newquay to Watergate Bay. Once there, you'll follow the Coast Path from Watergate Bay to Whipsiderry. At low tide, you can walk along a mile of sandy beach.
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From Whipsiderry, there is an optional side trip to Trevelgue Head and Porth Island, where you can view the Newquay coastline. Carry on where the route crosses Porth Beach and joins the coast path leading to Lusty Glaze Beach.
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For the return journey to Newquay, the path takes you across the Bronze-Age Barrowfields, passing by Tolcarne Beach.
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Length: 4 miles
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Difficulty: Easy-moderate
Holywell Bay to Newquay (via bus)
Try out this Newquay coastal walk for golden, sandy beaches, beautiful plants and wildlife, and a fantastic view of the Holy Well!
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Beginning with a short bus ride from Newquay to Holywell Bay (number 85 bus), you'll head down to the beach. The route crosses the top of the beach towards the sacred spring, then joins the coastal path as it traverses The Kelseys, offering stunning views across Holywell Bay.
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Continue on the path to the tiny, undeveloped cove of Porth Joke. From there, follow the outermost trails around West Pentire headland and continue along the coast to Crantock Beach.
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The final leg of the walk takes you up The Gannel Estuary before returning to Newquay through the tranquil Trenance Gardens.
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Length: 6.9 miles
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Difficulty: Moderate
Crantock and Penpol Creek
For beautiful views over a quiet estuary and the Atlantic Coast, try this coastal walk in Newquay to explore one of the prettiest Cornish villages, Crantock. It's perfect for bringing the children along, too; they'll love to frolic on the sandy beaches—the ideal holiday day out!
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From the Warren car park entrance, walk back up the road into the village of Crantock, where you can explore the historic buildings.
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Once in the village, fork left onto Green Lane. Turn left after the bus shelter, then cross the road onto Vosporth Hill. Follow the lane up to the crest of the hill, then climb over the stone stile as the road turns sharply right. If you want to avoid the stile, continue along the lane, turn left onto Penpol Hill, and join the path at the other end of the field.
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Cross the field, climb over the stone stile at the other side, then turn left down the lane. Keep the lovely Penpol farm on your left as you follow Penpol Hill. Look for the coast path sign on the left-hand side of the road, and take this path through the kissing gate. Follow the path across the field and through the copse alongside the creek. You'll emerge onto a more open area beside the Gannel Estuary at the next kissing gate.
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Keep the estuary on your right-hand side. The path will gently climb until you reach the crest of the hill with stunning vistas of Crantock Beach and the Atlantic Ocean beyond. Continue along the path until it drops down to the car park where you started.
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Length: 1.7 miles
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Difficulty: Easy
Bedruthan Steps (Easy Access)
You can include a shorter route with one of your days out in Newquay. This will show you one of the most iconic destinations on the North Cornish coast and onto the South West Coast Path, with sea views from Newquay past Park Head to Trevose Head.
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Start from the Carnewas NT car park, a 15-minute drive from the Newquay Bay holiday resort. Face the sea, follow the path to the left of the toilets and cafe, and head out towards the cliffs.
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At the first junction of paths, fork right, then take the left-hand fork at the red sign. Continue along the route before turning left onto the South West Coast Path. The path eventually passes through a Cornish Hedge, which makes a good turnaround point.
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Retrace your steps back along the South West Coast Path, passing the original path from the car park. Continue on the coast path until the path leads down some steps to Bedruthan Steps, named after a legendary giant who was said to have used the rock stacks as stepping stones to cross the bay. Some believe this is just a 19th-century story, and the "steps" refer to the cliff staircase used to access the beach.Â
Several steps lead down to the Bedruthan Steps lower viewpoint, making this section impassable for wheelchairs. Swimming here can also be hazardous, and the staircase is not accessible during the winter months.
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You can return to the car park by retracing your steps along the main path when ready.
- Length: 0.8 miles
- Difficulty: Easy (Bedruthan Steps aren't easily accessible for wheelchair users and prams, for example)
Park Head and Pentire Steps
The perfect walk for any Poldark fans, Park Head was used as one of the filming locations for this BBC TV series. Plus, you can witness some stunning views over the Bedruthan Steps and the Trescore Islands.
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The perfect walk for any Poldark fans, Park Head was used as one of the filming locations for this BBC TV series. Plus, you can witness some stunning views over the Bedruthan Steps and the Trescore Islands.
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This walk descends to the coast at Porth Mear, passing through a corridor of blackthorn bushes adorned with white blossoms in the springtime.
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The route then follows the coast path across Park Head, leading to the cliffs overlooking Pentire Steps beach. An optional diversion offers views over the Bedruthan Steps.
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From the cliffs, the walk returns across the fields.
- Length: 1.9 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
Constantine Bay to Mawgan Porth
This long walk is along a ragged, rocky coastline with gorgeous sands and turquoise waters. You might even spot some seals at Trethias Island!
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Follow the sandy path towards the beach from the car park found at Constantine Bay beach. As you approach, bear left onto the South West Coast Path. Continue onto the beach at Treyarnon Bay.
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Cross the stream at Treyarnon and pick up the coast path on the far side. Climb gently around the point by Trethias Island and continue between farmland and dramatic cliffs. Carry on to Porthcothan, then turn right on the road and follow it around the back of the beach, picking up the coast path again.
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Climb gently up the cliffs around the headland, cross the stream, and continue to the cove at Porth Mear. Cross another stream above the cliffs and headlands, turning left across Park Head. Follow the edge of the fields around Pentire Steps and past Diggory's Island.
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Continue above the Bedruthan Steps, passing Pendarves Point and Whitestone Cove to reach Carnewas Point. Carry on past the disused mineshaft at Trerathick Point, arriving at Trenance Point, where the path descends gently towards the beach at Mawgan Porth. Stay on the coast path to the road, then turn left to the bus stop.
- Length: 7 miles
- Difficulty: Challenging
Lost Church and Perranporth Dunes
Revel in some of the history surrounding this area, entering St Piran's and reaching Piran's Beach, where dogs are allowed all year round.
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- Passing a flat, grassy area to reach St Piran's Cross and Church, Piran'ste enters the sand dunes leading to St Piran's Oratory.
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Continue towards the sea, the path picks up the coastal trail and follows it along the dunes to the ramp onto Perran Sands Beach. The route then traverses the cliff, descending to the steps onto Perranporth beach.
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The walk turns inland, crossing the golf course on the dunes. A short stretch along a small lane completes the circular route.
- Length: 3.6 miles
- Difficulty: Easy-moderate
Holywell to St Piran's Oratory
This is yet another chance to observe the medieval relics of all things St Piran’s. Remember to bring your camera for one of the best Newquay coastal walks!
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Starting at Holywell Bay, you’ll see the sacred spring forming limestone cascades, which can be seen at low tide. The route follows the rugged coastline around Penhale Head and Hobyln’s Cove, arriving at Ligger Point, which offers panoramic views over Perran Beach and the St Agnes coastline.
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The walk then follows the beach before climbing the dunes to reach what is believed to be the oldest religious building on the British mainland.
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When returning, the path crosses Penhale Sands, an area of national importance for its diverse wildflowers and butterfly populations.
- Length: 7.4 miles
West Pentire and Polly Joke
Here's a chance to walk the poppy fields for more stunning views of this gorgeous area in Cornwall!
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Wind through the vibrant poppy fields, taking advantage of the fact that the flowers are rotated between fields each year to cover many locations.
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The path then descends to Cubert Common, following the valley down to the beach at Polly Joke (also known as Porth Joke). From there, the route follows the coastline, crossing over the top of the headland for some beautiful views.
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For the return journey, the path passes by the remaining poppy fields before finishing at the Bowgie Inn, where you can stop to refuel after one of the best Newquay coastal walks!
- Length: 2.2 miles
- Difficulty: Easy-moderate
Trevelgue Head and Whipsiderry
Visit the hills north of Newquay, with sea views beyond a coastline sculpted by relentless waves into dramatic caves. Plus, you'll visit one of the southwest's most significant archaeological sites, following ancient green lanes. At Whipsiderry, visit at half-tide to witness the spectacular display of the blowhole spouting.
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Descend downhill from the bus stop above Whipsiderry Beach to Chapel Porth Beach. Continue past the beach, turn left onto Alexandra Road, and follow it uphill, turning left onto Lewarne Road. Take the second left turn onto Century Court, picking up the footpath signed to the left shortly after. In the field, bear right to the gate at the far end of the right-hand boundary and continue along the path beside the playing fields, past the church.
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Turn left through the St Columb Minor Institute car park, taking the lane downhill to the stream. Cross the footbridge and walk steeply uphill, passing the paths to Trevelgue and Rialton, until you reach a road. Cross the road and continue down the lane to Tregustick Farm.
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Bear left at the bottom of the lane and turn right onto the road. Take the footpath signed through the gate to Trebelsue Farm, following the drive uphill between the farm buildings. Turn left onto the road and walk to the main road, bearing left to continue.
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Cross the road and take the footpath through the field by the layby, descending to the South West Coast Path at Tinner's Point. Turn left Tinner'sow the coast path back to Whipsiderry.
- Length: 4.5 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
St Mawgan to St Columb Major
Visit St Columb Major, where Cornish Hurling is still played, and some beautiful broadleaf woodlands, along with the River Menalhyl. What more could you want from a coastal walk in Newquay?
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Follow the path alongside the river, winding through the broadleaf woodlands of the Carnanton Estate. The estate has seen some significant archaeological finds, including a hoard of Elizabethan-era silver coins.
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The path leads into the winding streets of St Columb Major, passing the town's church, which was rebuilt in 1676 after being damaged by an explosion.
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The walk follows footpaths and lanes along the edge of the Vale of Lanherne, arriving at the hamlet of Lanvean, descending into the valley, and crossing the River Menalhyl to reach St Mawgan.
- Length: 6.6 miles
- Difficulty: Easy-moderate
Porth Reservoir and Colan Church
See the crumbling ruins of Fir Hill Manor, a mill, and wooded vales – perfect for all of you nature enthusiasts out there! Just be alert here, as there are some uneven parts and potentially some missing boards on the footbridge.
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Start along the edge of the reservoir, passing bird hides and following the Nature Trail through the wildlife reserve and woodland path. This leads to a track, the main driveway through the historic Nanswhyden Estate.
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The route then passes the ruins of Nanswhyden House and Fir Hill Manor, which fell into disrepair after their heir never claimed the properties. Then, follow the lanes towards Nanswhyden Farm, crossing the ford at Trengoose and passing Colan Church.Â
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Finally, the walk follows a footpath through fields and woods to return to the reservoir.
- Length: 4.5 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
Tregurrian and Trevarrian
Above the two-mile stretch of golden sand at Watergate Bay, this Newquay coastal walk offers plenty to enjoy. Why not take a couples' trip to relish in some history at the prehistoric fort and the Saxon settlement from the Dark Ages?
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Exit the Watergate Bay beach car park and turn left, walking steeply uphill to pick up the South West Coast Path on the left, heading towards Mawgan Porth. Follow the path along the coastline, passing Stem Point and Stem Cove, until you reach Griffin's Point.
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Cross the stream on the footbridge and continue above Beacon Cove, ignoring the inland paths, to descend to Berryl's Point. Climb to round Grange Point and drop down to the road at Mawgan Porth.
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Turn left and walk through the village, taking the road on the right towards St Mawgan. A couple hundred metres down, turn right onto a lane marked 'Unsuitable for Motor Vehicles', descending to a footbridge before climbing up into the trees below Tolcarne Merock. Turn right on the minor road and follow it up the hill.
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Take the footpath on the right towards the top of the hill, following it through fields to the main road into Trevarrian. Turn right into the village, forking left when you reach the houses. Take the footpath on the left before the end of the road, cutting across fields to a farmyard, then follow the lane to the road.
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Turn right and follow the road to Trevarrian Hill. Carefully turn left and drop back to the car park at the start.
- Length: 4.5 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
Porth to Watergate Bay
Want some time away from the crowds with dazzling vistas, dramatic scenery, and a wonderful sense of escape? This Newquay coastal walk is for you!
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Starting from Porth, a short drive or 30-minute walk from the Newquay Bay holiday park, you can enjoy some time on the beach or refuel at local spots like Café Coast or Hole In The Wall. Or, head straight up the hill, taking in bird's eye views of Newquay and the surrounding area as you head to Watergate Bay.
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When you're ready to return, retrace your steps to Porth or Newquay or catch a return bus ride.
- Length: 3.5 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
Cubert to St Piran's Round
Travel through the cowslip meadows of the Penhale Sands nature reserve and witness some stunning wildflowers along the river valley. Bring your camera for some picture-perfect moments!
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Start at Cubert church and descend into the valley to reach the dunes of Penhale Sands. The route follows small lanes, tracks, and footpaths up the Treamble Valley to St Piran's Round.
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Then, the walk turns back into the valley, following footpaths and lanes to reach the Smuggler's Den Inn. A final footpath leads back to the starting point in Cubert.
- Length: 6.4 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate-challenging
West Pentire to Crantock Beach
Visit the northernmost end of one of Cornwall’s largest areas of sand dunes that stretch from Crantock to Perranporth, making for a memorable Cornish holiday experience!
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Starting at West Pentire, follow the coastal path to the dunes behind Crantock Beach. Then, pass through the village, reaching a byway that leads onto Cubert Common.
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Cross the common and descend the valley to the sandy beach at Porth Joke. To complete the circular route, the final leg climbs back through the wildflower meadows of West Pentire.
- Length: 3.5 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
St Newlyn East and Lappa Valley
Enter the woods of the Lappa Valley, where the Steam Railway now lays one of the most famous mines in Cornwall during Victorian times. You must see this piece of history during one of the best Newquay coastal walks!
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Begin by meandering through the village, passing the pub and church, before descending Metha Road into Lappa Valley. Â
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Follow the stream up the valley, alongside the ochre-stained riverbed, past East Wheal Rose and the edge of Newlyn Downs, until reaching the stream's source on Penhallow Moor.
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Then, you’ll see footpaths crossing the old Perranporth railway trackbed leading back to Station Road, completing the circular route.
- Length: 3.6 miles
- Difficulty: Easy-moderate
St Mawgan to St Columb Major
Visit St Columb Major, where Cornish Hurling is still played, and some beautiful broadleaf woodlands, along with the River Menalhyl. What more could you want from a coastal walk in Newquay?
Find out moreDirections
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Follow the path alongside the river, winding through the broadleaf woodlands of the Carnanton Estate. The estate has seen some significant archaeological finds, including a hoard of Elizabethan-era silver coins.
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The path leads into the winding streets of St Columb Major, passing the town's church, which was rebuilt in 1676 after being damaged by an explosion.
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The walk follows footpaths and lanes along the edge of the Vale of Lanherne, arriving at the hamlet of Lanvean, descending into the valley, and crossing the River Menalhyl to reach St Mawgan.
- Length: 6.6 miles
- Difficulty: Easy-moderate
Crantock and The Gannel
Take a walk along the River Gannel with some beautiful scenes – you wouldn’t think you were still in the UK!
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Time this walk to avoid high tide. Start at Crantock Beach and follow the coast path through fields and woods to Penpol Creek. The route then descends to the sand, following the estuary bed, which is visited by wading birds at low tide.
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At the top of the estuary, find an optional diversion to Trenance Gardens and the café by the boating lake. The walk joins a footpath across the fields back to Crantock, passing the Holy Well and two pubs before returning to the beach.
- Length: 4.5 miles
- Difficulty: Easy-moderate
Bedruthan Steps to Porthcothan
The rock stacks of the Bedruthan Steps and the azure lagoon of the Trescore Islands are truly something to admire. While on one of the best Newquay coastal walks, why not take some time at the sheltered, golden, sandy beach at Portcothan?
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The beach can be accessed at low tide by following the coast alongside the famous Bedruthan Steps. It crosses Park Head, the location for an elaborate horse-riding scene featured in BBC's Poldark, before reaching the rocky cove of Porth Mear.
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Continue along the coast, passing the Trescore Islands lagoon until it reaches the sheltered beach at Porthcothan. Follow the valley to Porthcothan Mill, with the return journey taking footpaths and small lanes.
- Length: 6.2 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
Crantock to Holywell
This western stretch of coastline hugs the main town yet has its unique personality. Including Holywell Bay, a favourite location for Poldark films.
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This western stretch of coastline hugs the main town yet has its unique personality. Starting at the sheltered oasis of Crantock Beach, home to various cafes, the path elevates you over vibrant fields of poppies and a nature conservation area to reach Polly Joke – a hidden cove offering sheltered sands and picturesque vistas.
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Continue westward to Holywell Bay, a favourite location for Poldark films, with its gigantic sand dunes and the iconic twin peaks of Gull Rocks. Refuel at The Treguth Inn or other locations before returning to Crantock.
- Distance: 4.7 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
Is Newquay good for walking?
Nestled along the South West Coast Path, Newquay boasts a magnificent coastline accented by seven sandy beaches, offering breathtaking Newquay coastal walks.Â
You’ll be surrounded by stunning natural scenery wherever you go in Newquay. Whether you're seeking beach walks or countryside rambles, Newquay has it all.Â
The town is the perfect base from which to explore the picturesque coastline and the beautiful inland areas, so why not book your next holiday here?
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