Cornwall

Hendersick and Talland Bay Loop

A stretch of coast between Looe and Polperro, showing Looe Island in the distance — Discover miles of coast path between Looe and Polperro | © National Trust

This circular coastal walk comes with fine views of Looe Island and the South East Cornwall coast. The trail includes some detours to the beaches along the way, as well as a visit to Talland church.

Near to

Lansallos

Start point

National Trust car park at Hendersick, grid ref. SX236 520

Trail information

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Difficulty*

Accessibility**

Full trail

DistanceMiles: 2.5 (km: 4)

Duration1 hour 30 mins

Dog friendly***

*Uneven terrain throughout. For further details, see section marked Terrain.
**Walk involves steep slopes, steps and a narrow lane. For further details, see section marked Access.
***Dogs must be kept under close control.

Address
Hendersick, near Looe, South East Cornwall, PL13 2HZ
Directions via Google Maps
By train
Looe branch line (very scenic) from Liskeard, then follow the 'By foot' instructions.
By bus
Travel Cornwall 481, Polruan to Downderry via Polperro and Looe, Monday to Friday, except public holidays (then follow the 'By foot' instructions).
On foot
From Polperro, head east along the south west coast path to Talland to join this walk 1.4 miles (2.2km). From Looe, head west from Hannafore along the south west coast path to Portnadler Bay to join this walk 1 mile (1.5km).
By road
From the A387 between Polperro and Looe follow signs to Talland Bay. The small car park at Hendersick is located on the lane that runs from Talland to Portlooe.
Total stages: 7
Total stages: 7
Start point
National Trust car park at Hendersick, grid ref. SX236 520
Stage 1
Leave your car in the National Trust car park and picnic site at Hendersick on the West Looe to Talland Road. Take the path in the corner of the car park, go through the gate and follow the wooded path which runs alongside the farm track.
Stage 2
After the second gate, turn right, pass the farm buildings to your right, follow the path down the valley to reach the coast path above Portnadler Bay.
Stage 3
You can stop here to explore the beach.
Hore Point
The headland is known as Hore Point after the offshore rock here called the Hore Stone. The outcrop of the point itself is unmistakeable, and offers panoramic views to the east across Whitsand Bay to Rame Head. National Trust has worked with the farmer at Hendersick to restore the grasslands that had been lost beneath blackthorn and gorse. Sheep graze the slopes, ensuring a balance of grass and scrub where Dartford warblers, linnets and whitethroats thrive. Restharrow, pale flax and vervain can be found on the coastal fields, which have been free of fertilisers and herbicides since 1995.
Stage 4
If you don't take the diversion to explore the beach, turn right (west) and continue south along the coast path. If you have enjoyed the beach, retrace your steps back to where you joined the coast path and then continue as above.
Stage 5
Continue along the coast path to the west to Talland Bay or for a much shorter loop take the inland path at Hore Point, which will take you across a couple of fields back to the car park.
Stage 6
After visiting the coves, turn east and walk up the steep lane through Talland village.
Stage 7
Continue up the lane to reach the car park.
End point
National Trust car park at Hendersick, grid ref. SX236 520
Trail map
Hendersick and Talland Bay Loop | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
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