Cornwall

Booby's Bay walk

This popular stretch of the north Cornish coast offers walkers views across Constantine Bay and onwards to the lighthouse at Trevose Head. Look out for rare species of birds and plants and explore hidden coves.

Near to

Carnewas at Bedruthan

Start point

Porthcothan car park, grid ref: SW859741. Postcode: PL28 8LP

Trail information

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Difficulty*

Accessibility**

Full trail

DistanceMiles: 4 (km: 6.4)

Duration1 hour 20 mins

Dog friendly***

*Coastal paths. For further details, please see Terrain section.
**Uneven ground and some steep sections. For further details, please see Access section.
***Dogs must be lept on leads in some areas. For further details, please see Facilities section.

Address
Porthcothan Bay car park, Padstow, Cornwall PL28 8LP
Directions via Google Maps
On foot
The South West Coast Path runs along the north Cornwall coast, passing through Padstow and Newquay.
By train
Newquay 10 miles (16.1km).
By bus
Porthcothan and Constantine are served by Kernow buses, Atlantic Coaster running between Newquay and Padstow and Go Cornwall bus number 56.
Cycling
National Cycle Network Route 32 passes by the start of the walk.
Visit the Sustrans network
By road
Porthcothan which can be found between Newquay and Padstow on the B3276. Satnav: PL28 8LP
Total stages: 9
Total stages: 9
Start point
Porthcothan car park, grid ref: SW859741. Postcode: PL28 8LP
Stage 1
From the car park, head to the main road (B3276), turn right and walk around 50m along the road to cross the bridge. Immediately after the bridge turn left, and before reaching the beach you'll see the South West Coast Path leading off to the right.
Stage 2
Join the coast path and head north in the direction of Treyarnon Bay (not National Trust). Follow the footpath for 2 miles (3.2km). There are some points when the path forks but all routes rejoin. You'll come across one section when the path leads between a hedge and an area of gorse. You'll also pass Minnows Islands and Fox Cove on your way. Minnows Islands are a cluster of four outcrops of rock, best appreciated at a medium to low tide. Fox Cove is a little further on.
Stage 3
As you approach Treyanon beach you'll encounter a fork in the path. Take the right-hand fork, which will lead you behind a private dwelling and to some steps leading down onto the top of Treyarnon Bay. This beach has lifeguards during the summer season, and is popular with those seeking a sandy cove with rock pools at low tide.
Stage 4
Cross the top of the beach and take the path to the left of the lifeguard hut. This will lead to a stretch of tarmacked lane. After a short distance the footpath is signposted to the left.
Stage 5
After a stretch of coastline (not National Trust) which has a number of benches along it, take the path to the right of a house. The footpath leads to the top of Constantine Bay. Cross the top of the beach and ascend the wooden stairs at the far end to rejoin the coast path. You'll see Constantine Island on your left and Booby's Bay is on the other side of the island.
Stage 6
Retrace your steps across the top of Constantine Bay. Here you can choose to either follow the South West Coast Path back to Porthcothan (the way that you came), take the inland route along the road or catch the bus back. If taking the inland or bus route, turn left by the beach waste facilities.
Stage 7
Follow the path to a small parking space and public toilets. Continue following the road until you reach a T-junction. There's a convenience store on the corner to your left. You can catch the bus from this area.
Stage 8
To walk back to Porthcothan along the lanes, turn right at the T-junction and keep following your nose for 2 to 3 miles (3.2 to 4.8km).
Stage 9
The road eventually comes to a junction. Turn right (rejoining the B3276) and walk the 200 yards (180m) or so down the hill to Porthcothan Bay.
End point
Porthcothan car park, grid ref: SW859741. Postcode: PL28 8LP
Trail map
A map of the Booby's Bay walk | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
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A view over the beach at Carnewas at Bedruthan on a sunny day

Trail

Carnewas at Bedruthan coast walk

A moderate walk taking in a remarkable stretch of the north Cornwall coast, with views of the dramatic cliffs overlooking the Bedruthan Steps and the sheltered Porth Mear cove.