Skip to content
Looking over to Blackbottle Rock near Lantic Bay, Cornwall
Find the beautiful views on the Blackbottle Rock picnic walk | © National Trust/George Taylor
Cornwall

Blackbottle Rock picnic walk

Take in sweeping views of Gribbin Head and, on a clear day, see the coast all the way down to the Lizard. The walk's halfway point is a perfect place to pause for a picnic, look out over to Blackbottle Rock and watch the boats come in and out of Fowey.

Total steps: 6

Total steps: 6

Start point

Polruan public car park, grid ref: SX132507

Step 1

Exit the car park via the left-hand gate and walk diagonally across the field until you meet the South West Coast Path. Turn left and follow the path through the small pedestrian gate.

Step 2

Continue straight on and go through a gate. Then, where the path forks at the bench and moneybox, take the left-hand path.

Step 3

Continue through another gate onto the plateau, a perfect spot for a picnic.

Step 4

To continue your walk, you can either retrace your steps back along the coast or walk the circular route and follow the path inland, along the field margin, for views towards Caradon Hill.

Step 5

At the gate, turn left to follow the road back to Polruan. Please be careful as this is a public road.

Step 6

Finally, turn left into the car park.

End point

Polruan public car park, grid ref: SX132507

Trail map

Map route for Blackbottle Rock picnic walk near Lantic Bay, Cornwall
Map route for Blackbottle Rock picnic walk | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey

You made it

Share your experience

More near here

Looking up the track to the Gribbin Daymark
Trail
Trail

Gribbin Head walk at Fowey Estuary 

Follow in the footsteps of author Daphne du Maurier on this relaxing trail which visits the coastal landscapes west of Fowey Estuary that inspired her much of her work.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 4 (km: 6.4)
Looking over to the net loft, a grey stone building perched on a rocky promontory, at Polperro from the harbour
Trail
Trail

Polperro to Looe coast walk 

Discover the fascinating history of this area, and a biblical connection, on this moderate coastal walk from Polperro to Looe, Cornwall.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 5.5 (km: 8.8)
curved section of creek, bordered with trees on its banks opens out onto  larger expanse of water, with a village on the far bank
Trail
Trail

Polruan coast and creek walk 

An energetic walk circling the Fowey Estuary mouth with spectacular views over Lantic Bay's wide beaches and clear waters, and aspects of Polruan's history.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 4.5 (km: 7.2)
The view to Pencarrow Head, Cornwall
Trail
Trail

Polruan to Polperro rollercoaster walk 

A strenuous walk high above turquoise seas and white sandy beaches, and through prime fishing and smuggling territory.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 6.8 (km: 10.88)

Get in touch

near Polruan, Cornwall, PL23 1NP

Our partners

Cotswold Outdoor

We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.

Visit website 

You might also be interested in

Walkers climbing rocks against a bright blue sky with the mountains in the distance at Sugarloaf, Monmouthshire

Walking 

Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.

A person walks along the South West Coast Path at Wheal Coates in Cornwall, with the blue sea and a sandy beach visible beneath them.

Walking in Cornwall 

From strolls that reward you with stunning views of the South West coast to gentle inland meanders, these are some of the best walks in Cornwall.

A group of people in a hiking group are being guided on a hike by rangers at Marsden Moor, West Yorkshire
Article
Article

Cotswold Outdoor: our exclusive walking partner 

Find out more about the National Trust’s ongoing partnership with Cotswold Outdoor as our exclusive walking partner.

A visitor carrying a backpack and walking along a footpath at Divis and the Black Mountain with stone walls either side, the countryside visible in the background.
Article
Article

Follow the Countryside Code 

Help to look after National Trust places by observing a few simple guidelines during your visit and following the Countryside Code.

An aerial view of an adult and baby walking a dog along a path at Baggy Point, Devon
Article
Article

Staying safe at National Trust places 

The special places in National Trust care sometimes come with a few risks for visitors, be it coastline or countryside. Find out how to keep safe throughout your visits.

Three people walking uphill with the sea in the background
Article
Article

Things to do at Lantic Bay 

Explore the beach, go fishing, take in the clifftop views and discover the play trail on a coastal adventure at Lantic Bay and Pencarrow Head.

A National Trust sign pointing to Lantic beach with the bay in the background
Article
Article

Exploring the area around Lansallos 

Discover the places to visit in and around this Cornish village, including sandy coves, ancient churches, old water mills and landmarks from its smuggling heyday.