Cornwall

Chapel Cliff walk

Looking over to the net loft, a grey stone building perched on a rocky promontory, at Polperro from the harbour — Looking over to the net loft at Polperro from the harbour | © Lucy Honeychurch

Explore the rugged coastline and history of an old fishing community with this short but tough walk from Polperro village. Following part of the South West Coast Path, this circular trail explores a mysterious 19th-century boat building, the origins of St Peter's Chapel, and old fishermen's shelters and allotments. The woodland and scrubland paths also offer sweeping views across the coastline, reaching as far as south Devon on a clear day.

Near to

Lansallos

Start point

The shelter overlooking Polperro harbour, Polperro, PL13 2QY. Grid ref: SX209508

Trail information

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Difficulty*

Accessibility**

Full trail

DistanceMiles: 1 (km: 1.6)

Duration 30 mins to 40 mins

Dog friendly***

*Uneven paths with steep climbs. For further details, please see Terrain section.
**Not suitable for people using wheelchairs. For further details, please see section marked Access.
***Dogs are welcome. For further details, please see section marked Facilities.

Cliff edges

This route passes cliff edges and unstable cliffs so please be careful and supervise children.

Address
The shelter overlooking Polperro harbour, Polperro, PL13 2QY
Directions via Google Maps
By train
Looe station is about 5 miles from the start of the trail.
By bus
From Looe: The 387 service runs from Looe to Polruan via Polperro (bus stop: Crumplehorn). From here you can walk down into the village.
Cornwall Bus times
By road
From Plymouth: Head west out of Plymouth on Liskeard Road (A38). Take the first exit at the roundabout to follow the A374 and then turn right onto the A387. Follow this road and at Widegates keep heading straight, following signs for Polperro and Looe. Follow this road all the way through Looe and carry on towards Polperro.
Dogs
Dogs are welcome along the trail. We recommend keeping them on a lead and under control at all times, being aware of cliff edges.
Car park
Polperro public car park can be found about 0.6 miles (1km) from the start of the trail at Longcoombe Lane, Polperro, PL13 2PL.
Toilet
There are public toilets in Polperro.
Café
Cafés can be found in Polperro village.
Picnic area
There are some benches around the coastal path, which make a good picnic stop. Alternatively, there's a designated picnic area on the walkway sticking out into the harbour down in Polperro.
Pub
Pubs can be found in Polperro village.
Total stages: 13
Total stages: 13
Start point
The shelter overlooking Polperro harbour, Polperro, PL13 2QY. Grid ref: SX209508
Stage 1
Head west to follow the South West Coast Path.
Stage 2
After 50yd (46m) keep left to take the lower path closest to the water.
Stage 3
Keep on the path, passing a bench and a shelter. Chapel Cliff has several coastal paths, but the one nearest the sea is seen as the true coast path.
Stage 4
Continue ahead, taking the steps up the hill. You'll pass some blocked-off caves on your right and a rocky outcrop.
Stage 5
Keep heading west on the path as it joins with another track.
Stage 6
Keep left at the fork to take the lower path through the privet trees.
Stage 7
Follow the path as it leave the wooded area and bends around to the right. When you come to a right turn in the path, take this up the steps and across a spring.
Stage 8
At the top start to head east, following signs for the coastal path back towards Polperro.
Stage 9
Keep right at the fork to head down the hill.
Stage 10
When you reach the bottom, you'll meet the path you were on previously. Retrace your steps a little way, but then keep left at the fork to take the upper branch of the South West Coast Path.
Stage 11
At the next track junction, again stay left and pass two benches.
Stage 12
At the waymarker, turn right to follow the path down the hill back to the starting point.
Stage 13
As an optional extra, head up Peak Rock to get a closer look at the Net Loft.
End point
Net Loft, Peak Rock, Polperro Harbour, PL13 2QY. Grid ref: SX209508
Trail map
Chapel Cliff walk map | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
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