Off the Beaten Track - Travel Guides
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Site Map
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West Cornwall – Beaches |
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Useful Links
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West Cornwall has
some of the finest beaches in the UK. In addition, with the recent
implementation of South West Water’s Clean Sweep major sewerage replacement
programme, the area now has some of the cleanest beaches in the country. Hayle The largest beach
in West Cornwall with its famous 3-miles of golden sands, Hayle beach is
accessed from the side road next the Playing Fields in Hayle (follow signs to
Phillack). There is a car park near the Bluff Hotel at Hayle Towans. From
here, walk down the road to the left of the Bluff and down the sandy ramp
path onto the beach. Hayle beach is great for long beach walks at low tide.
You can walk all the way to Gwithian and Godrevy Island (made famous by
Virginia Woolf) if you are feeling energetic. Marazion - Long Rock Good family beach
with safe swimming and easy parking. At low tide, there are rocks to explore
and large flat areas to play sports on. Sand quality clean but not as good as
Hayle. Porthcurno Fine sand,
turquoise seas and rugged cliffs make this the most attractive beach in
Cornwall and arguably the whole of England. Surprisingly, the beach is never
too busy. Lifeguards ensure safe bathing conditions. The 1/4 mile walk to
beach from car park is definately worth it. If you get bored of sunbathing
the steep walk up the cliffs to the Minack Theatre is well worthwhile - the views are tremendous. St Ives Porthmeor and
Porthminister beaches have excellent sand and safe swimming. However, car
access to St Ives can be difficult in summer due to the narrow streets - take the Park and Ride train for a
great day out (see St Ives section on Villages
page). Porthreath Good sand, nearby
shops and carparking right by the beach make this an excellent beach for
families. Porthgwarra Tiny beach in an
old fishing hamlet - unchanged
for centuries. For a quiet, relaxing day in an area with excellent walks,
this is a must. (Go at low tide). Nanjizal, near
Land’s End If you don’t like
sharing a beach with many people, this sandy cove is excellent. To get there,
park at Porthgwarra and walk the coastal footpath towards Land’s End (see Walks section). The walk is spectacular with massive 200
ft granite cliffs. You will reach the beach after about 1 3/4 miles. Take
refreshments - the inaccessibility of the
beach means few people but also no facilities. Watch out for seals on the
walk. |
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