Lundy Bay and Pentire walk
This circular trail follows the South West Coast Path for a large part, offering wonderful clifftop views of the Rumps and wider coastline around Pentire headland. Pentire is farmed for wildlife and there are numerous wildflowers and birds to spot or listen out for. The route includes visitor facilities (including toilets and a café) at Pentireglaze (new for 2021; please check for opening) so there is an opportunity to enjoy refreshment along the way.
Map
Start:
Lundy Bay car park. PL27 6QZ
1
Leave the car park and cross the road with care. Go through the gate opposite and follow the path through the lightly wooded valley.
2
After a 5 minute (1/4 mile) walk there is a footpath off to the left (look out for a fingerpost marking the way) and which forms the South West Coast Path. Take this path and continue with the sea to your right.
Beach
Lundy Bay, found by keeping to the original path, is a small beach, accessible at low tide. This beach isn’t lifeguarded so please take care in the water.
3
After a moderately steep climb you’ll come to a kissing gate at Carnweather Point. Go through the gate and continue along the footpath as it crosses an area of open grassland.
Sea birds and views
The Mouls is the rocky island you can see in the distance. This is an important nesting ground for sea birds including puffins. Look out for a bench on your left which offers those resting glorious panoramic views of the Rumps and Doyden Castle, with Tintagel Island in the distance.
4
Go through a kissing gate and continue along the coast path as it narrows; a fine example of a Cornish hedge to your left. Ignore the fingerpost that directs walkers left to Pentireglaze. Instead, keep following the footpath straight ahead.
5
Pass through another kissing gate and continue along the coast path, passing a disused quarry to your right.
6
The views open up to take in Polzeath and Padstow Bay to your left. Ahead you’ll see the stone wall of a field boundary. To the right end is a kissing gate which you go through. Immediately turn left off the coast path and follow a short path inland that will bring you to the Lead Mines car park. Here you can enjoy views towards Stepper Point with Trevose Head in the distance.
7
Walk along the road that accesses the car park, turn left and follow the road towards the cluster of buildings at Pentireglaze. Take care crossing the cattle grid (or use the gate to the left).
8
The road then forks. To the right is the main car park for Pentire headland. Here you’ll find toilets, a café, indoor/outdoor seating and an orchard for picnics (facilities opening in 2021 – please check before visiting). When ready to continue, retrace your steps to the fork in the road (turn right) and continue.
9
Leave the road as it bares sharply to the right and follow the farm track straight ahead. Continue through a field gate onto a permissive path. Keep walking to the end of the hedge line, then turn to your right (keeping the hedge on your left) and walk towards the far corner of the field. You’ll see a road ahead.
10
At the corner of the field you’ll see a kissing gate to your left. Go through it and follow the path that runs parallel to the road.
11
Arrive at a final kissing gate which brings you out on the road just a few steps from Lundy Bay car park. Please take care when exiting this gate and crossing back across the road.
End:
Lundy Bay car park. PL27 6QZ
