Cornwall

Carnewas at Bedruthan coast walk

A view over the beach at Carnewas at Bedruthan on a sunny day — View of the rock stacks at Bedruthan | © National Trust Images/Hugh Mothersole

A moderate walk along a remarkable stretch of the north Cornwall coast. Along the way, you'll take in views of the dramatic cliffs overlooking Bedruthan Steps and the sheltered Porth Mear cove.

Near to

Carnewas at Bedruthan

Start point

Carnewas car park, Bedruthan, grid ref: SW850690

Trail information

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Difficulty*

Accessibility**

Full trail

DistanceMiles: 4.5 (km: 7.2)

Duration1 hour 30 mins

Dog friendly***

*Moderate terrain along natural, uneven surfaces. For further details, see section marked Terrain.
**Route includes slopes and steps. For further details, see section marked Access.
***Dogs should be kept on a lead. For further details, see section marked Facilities.

Address
Carnewas, near Bedruthan, St Eval, Wadebridge, Cornwall PL27 7UW
Directions via Google Maps
By train
Newquay 7 miles (11.2km).
On foot
The South West Coast Path runs along the north Cornwall coast, passing through Padstow and Newquay.
By bus
Carnewas at Bedruthan is served by Kernow buses, Atlantic Coaster running between Newquay and Padstow and Go Cornwall bus number 56.
Cycling
National Cycle Network route 32 passes nearby.
By road
Just off the B3276 from Newquay to Padstow, 6 miles (9.6km) south-west of Padstow.
Total stages: 10
Total stages: 10
Start point
Carnewas car park, Bedruthan, grid ref: SW850690
Stage 1
From Carnewas car park, follow the path which runs from the information board, turning right towards the coast path, and continue down the stone steps. Alternatively, start with a short detour along the path straight ahead and through the gorse, for dramatic views along the coastline in both directions before heading to the right and joining the path down the 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 re-join 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. Choose either a slightly lengthier and sturdier scenic walk to the left by the cliff edge taking in the headland, Bronze Age barrows and another cliff castle. Alternatively, for a shorter route cut across 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 then go through a kissing gate. To access the beach cross the footbridge.
Stage 6
Re-join the path and continue heading inland along the valley (if not spending time on the beach turn right to join the path following the valley). Take in the sound of the stream to the left whilst noticing the increased amount of shelter and milder air that the valley enjoys.
Stage 7
Go through another kissing gate and continue diagonally across two grazing fields towards a gate with a stone stile next to it, which sits to the left of two National Trust holiday cottages.
Stage 8
Go through the gate and follow the tarmacked lane straight ahead of you towards the Park Head car park. As you reach the car park turn right, through a kissing gate, and follow the right hand edge of the fields through two more gates. Note: If starting your walk from Park Head you'll begin by going through the kissing gate at the far end of the car park and following the right hand edge of the fields through two more gates.
Stage 9
Turn immediately left after the second gate, and follow the path along the left hand side of two fields until you reach a further kissing gate.
Stage 10
Go through the gate, back onto the path you took from Carnewas, with a view of Diggery's Island. Turn left to return back along the coast path to Carnewas.
End point
Carnewas car park, Bedruthan, grid ref: SW850690
Trail map
Carnewas at Bedruthan coast walk | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
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A view of the coastline from Constantine Bay looking toward Trevose Head, Cornwall

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Booby's Bay walk

Enjoy views across Constantine Bay, explore hidden coves and look out for rare species of birds and plants on this walk on a popular stretch of the north Cornish coast.