Walking Basset's Cove to Portreath - 1.3 miles

OS Explorer Map 104: grid reference SW637441 to SW653454

Walk Duration: 1 hour

This cove lies just over 1 mile south-west of the small seaside town of Portreath. Few people, including most locals, know that the present Basset's Cove was formerly known as Spratting Cove and was renamed when the major landowners of the area the Lords de Dunstanville & Basset renamed the larger Basset Cove as Portreath and developed its harbour for tin trading purposes. The large Manor House and Country Park at Tehidy being their former home. The cove can be reached by a rough stony track from the main 'North Cliffs' road - the B3301 - and is almost opposite the 'North Cliff Plantation' car park of the 'Tehidy Country Park'. Parking is available at the cove but I would not advise it as the spot is quite unattended and there are better parking areas nearby. Leave the car park following the path up the fairly easy incline onto the cliff. Pass the coastal footpath marker and bear right over the wooden stile. The path remains quite level for a short while beside a wire fence before dropping down sharply into a valley. Recently some improvements to the path have been made with wooden fronted steps making descent easier in muddy conditions. The large island just offshore here is Samphire Island.

The incline has also been improved with granite fronted steps, even so, the less able may have to take their time climbing up. On reaching the top, the terrain becomes level once again for a very short while before zig-zagging once again down an even steeper valley. This is Carvannel Downs and you are now at Porth-cadjack Cove. Reaching the valley floor about 25 minutes into your walk, cross the little stream by the simple wooden bridge. Look for the small waterfall as it tumbles into the cove.

Now pass the NT omega sign for Carvannel Downs. The rocks in the valley seem to be very dark, a lot darker than the surrounding rocks, and those in the sea are quite angular. Carefully climb the other side of the valley up the narrow path. It soon levels off once again passing through a wooden kissing gate. TAKE CARE HERE AS THE PATH REMAINS CLOSE TO THE SHEER CLIFF EDGE. Pass the large chasm known as Ralph's Cupboard - actually a collapsed sea cave. Now about 40 minutes into your walk Portreath and Gull Rock are seen for the first time.

Choose either the route ahead over Western Hill down into Portreath or the grassy inland route offered to your right as it slopes gently down to another kissing gate and onto Portreath beach. Arrive at Portreath car park on the hour mark.

Previous walk: Godrevy Navax to Basset's Cove
Next walk: Portreath to Porthtowan