Porth Mear to Treyarnon via Porthcothan - 3.3 miles

OS Explorer Map 106: grid reference SW849715 to SW859741

Walk Duration 1 hour 30 minutes

This walk was done in reverse for ease of parking. Park your car above the beach at Treyarnon - £1.50 at the time of our visit. There are shops, toilets, a youth hostel, low slate cliffs and spectacular coves. Leave the car park and head towards the beach passing the lifeguards hut then follow the coastpath sign along the back of the beach of fine golden sand. Proceed up steps on the far side to a marker post between white-washed houses. Climb steadily next to a gully as you continue up the lowish cliffs. Look below to see Trethias Island. Make your way carefully around the indented coastline as you pass Pepper Cove, Warren Cove and the larger Fox Cove. Now about 25 minutes into your walk, go through a kissing gate onto 'MAFF conservation' land. Where the path splits just after Fox Cove, choose either the outer coastpath or the easier inland route. Look seaward now to see Minnows Islands just off the sheer cliffs. A suitable guidebook is the National Trail Guide: SW Coast Path - Padstow to Falmouth by John Macadam

Round the large Rowan Cove and then simply drop down to the beach below passing Long Cove and Totty Cove as you descend. This is Porthcothan and your destination Porth Mear lies just over a mile away to the west.

Cross the stream by the bridge or by using the stepping stones in the shallow water. Walk along the back of the beach as you reach the hour mark. Follow a (hidden) coastpath marker in front of houses as you climb gradually away from the beach. There is a natural arch on the beach below which can be visited with care at low tide. Look to your right to see the Trescore Islands just offshore before continuing due south. Head towards the familar headland that is Park Head. Now drop carefully down the steep sided inlet that is Porth Mear. Retrace your steps to return to your vehicle.

An excellent guidebook to carry is the Friendly Map & Guide to exploring the River Camel & The Camel Trail

Previous walk: Watergate Bay to Porth Mear
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