Carnewas bus route walking trail
This stretch of the north Cornwall coast offers views of the dramatic cliffs overlooking Bedruthan Steps (not National Trust), contrasted with the sheltered Porth Mear cove and the trails leads you to the sandy beach of Porthcothan.
Near to
Carnewas at BedruthanStart point
Bus stop at Mawgan Porth. Grid reference SW849671.Trail information
Total stages: 7
Total stages: 7
Start point
Bus stop at Mawgan Porth. Grid reference SW849671.
Stage 1
From the bus stop at Mawgan Porth, follow the South West Coast Path along the top of the beach and as it follows the coast in the direction of Padstow. You'll pass a National Trust metal sign as you reach the cliffs at Carnewas, above Bedruthan beach (not National Trust). Here you'll find National Trust car park, toilets, shop and tenanted tea-room (check for opening). Continue along the coast path, descending a set of steps.
Stage 2
At the bottom of the steps you'll find a viewing area overlooking the beach. Please note the beach stairs are closed due to a cliff fall and there is currently no access to Bedruthan beach. Continue up the stone steps to rejoin the coast path, with views of the beach and stacks to the left.
Stage 3
Continue along the coast path, past the earthworks of Redcliff Castle towards Park Head, eventually walking through a tamarisk hedge. Go through a kissing gate and then continue straight on, with the hedge on the right.
Stage 4
Keep following the path until it forks after a bench. You can choose to take a slightly lengthier and sturdier scenic walk to the left by the cliff edge, which takes in the headland, Bronze Age barrows and another cliff castle. Alternatively, for a shorter route, cut across the fields on the grassy path to the right.
Stage 5
On arrival at Porth Mear, with a view of Trevose Head and the lighthouse, descend the path and go through a kissing gate and across the bridge. To access the beach, take the short path heading left. From the beach rejoin the coast path on the left, climbing up the steps and over the stile; follow this path over a second stile. The path follows the line of the coast, where you will see a strip of rocks called Trescore Islands running parallel. At some low tides these form a natural sea pool.
Stage 6
Continue onwards, keeping the fence to your right, over another stile towards Porthcothan. When you reach the edge of Porthcothan bay you will notice a large oval sink hole. The path descends a little and you pass through a kissing gate where there's a lifebuoy marked Golden Burn. A short scramble down the rocks takes you to the beach, where at very low tides it's possible to reach Pothcothan via the sand. The path through the dunes behind the lifebuoy brings you out at Porthcothan Bay stores. Alternatively continue on the coast path, with the houses on your right, which will bring you to the stores nestled at the back of the dunes.
Stage 7
Walk down the side of the stores to the main road. The bus stop is on the opposite side of the road. Catch a bus here to return to Mawgan Porth (Go Cornwall 56) or retrace your steps.
End point
Porthcothan. PL28 8LW. Grid reference SW85806.
Trail map
Carnewas bus route walking trail map | © © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 ordinance survey
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