Skip to content
The cliffs above Sandymouth on the Cornish coast looking north at dusk, with the cliffs falling sheer to the sea
The cliffs above Sandymouth at dusk | © National Trust Images/Joe Cornish
Cornwall

Sandymouth to Duckpool and Stowe Wood circular walk

This circular trail follows the dramatic coastline from Sandymouth to Duckpool before heading inland along a wooded valley, through the centuries-old Stowe Wood, before heading back to the starting point. It's a walk for all seasons, with clifftops carpeted with wildflowers over the summer and woodland rich in colour in the autumn. Look out for a number of birds, including blackcaps, linnets and stonechats.

Total steps: 11

Total steps: 11

Start point

Sandymouth car park, grid ref: SS20390

Step 1

Follow the path from the car park down towards the beach and cliffs (past the café and toilets). Before the path drops to the beach (where the information panel is located) turn right and follow the footpath through a kissing gate.

Step 2

Follow the path across the field and over the river. Take the sloping path up the valley to your right to arrive on top of Stowe Cliffs.

Step 3

Continue along the coast path (wooden finger posts will guide you), passing through a gate and eventually descending to the footbridge at Warren Gutter. Cross the stream and climb the slope to Warren Point. Keep walking and soon you’ll pass through another gate. From here you can see Duckpool Beach and the freshwater pond behind the pebble bank (which might have given the beach its name).

Step 4

Follow the path down to the National Trust car park.

Step 5

After exploring Duckpool Beach following the access road inland until you arrive at the road junction. King William's Bridge is to your right. Turn left and then take the first right along the road into Coombe.

Step 6

Continue through Coombe and over the footbridge that spans the ford. Leave the road as it bears around to the left and join the footpath signed Coombe Valley. Follow the path through Lee Wood.

Step 7

Bear right at the first fork in the path and you will soon cross a stream. At the next junction bear right again, entering Stowe Wood and at the next fork take the narrow path which climbs gently on the left.

Step 8

Follow the path through the woods until you reach a wooden kissing gate with a National Trust sign for Stowe Barton. Go through the gate and continue, emerging from the wood and then follow the path up the tree-lined slope.

Step 9

Pass a small modern bungalow to your right and go through the kissing gate. Turn left and follow the track through a farm gate. Continue past Stowe Barton farm to your right, along the path as it curves left and go through a pillared gateway. Cross over the road to join the bridleway opposite.

Step 10

Follow the track across the fields and keep straight ahead, ignoring the bridleway to your left (this leads to Northcott Mouth). Arriving at a sheep pen, go through two waymarked gates into a paddock. Bear left around the hedge, then right to follow the fence. Head down towards a gap in the hedge marked with a finger post.

Step 11

Continue on towards the signposted gate in the right corner of the field, then up the slope to arrive once more on Stowe Cliff. At the fingerpost follow the path down left into the valley and all the way back to the car park.

End point

Sandymouth car park, grid ref: SS20390

Trail map

Map of Sandymouth circular walk, Cornwall
Sandymouth circular walk | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey

You made it

Share your experience

More near here

Visitor walking with their dog along the clifftop at Sandymouth, Cornwall
Trail
Trail

Sandymouth to Duckpool coastal walk 

A walk from Sandymouth to Duckpool along the South West Coast Path taking in sweeping coastal views. This walk can start from Sandymouth or Duckpool.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 2.5 (km: 4)

Get in touch

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.

View of the Rumps at Pentire, Cornwall, in autumn
Area
Area

Cornwall 

Top recommendations for places to visit in our care in Cornwall; from visiting exotic gardens or ancient houses, to exploring the mining history, all encircled by a much-loved coastline.

A view of the sandy beach at Sandymouth, Cornwall, with rocks in the foreground, a cliff visible on the left and the sea in the distance
Article
Article

Things to see and do at Sandymouth 

Sandymouth is a popular and unspoilt beach but can be very tidal. Find out how not to get caught out by the tides and also discover what’s on offer for you to do during your visit.

Visitors walking with their dogs at Sandymouth, Cornwall
Article
Article

Visiting Sandymouth with your dog 

Under-control dogs are welcome at Sandymouth. Find out more about planning a visit here with your four-legged friend, including details of the Canine Code. Sandymouth is a two pawprint rated place. 

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.

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.

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.