St Anthony Head circular walk
At the tip of the Roseland peninsula, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, St Anthony Head commands panoramic views across Falmouth Bay. The headland is now a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest, while the military fort has been of strategic importance for centuries, guarding the entrance to Falmouth harbour.
Near to
St Anthony HeadStart point
St Anthony Head car park, near Portscatho, Truro, Cornwall TR2 5HA. Grid ref: SW847312.Trail information
*Naturally uneven coast paths and some very steep sections, steps and stiles. May be muddy after prolonged wet weather. Take extra care near cliffs. For further details, please see Terrain section.
**Uneven ground and steep slopes. For further details, please see section marked Access.
***Please keep your dog on a short lead. For further details, please see section marked Facilities.
Total stages: 7
Total stages: 7
Start point
St Anthony Head car park, near Portscatho, Truro, Cornwall TR2 5HA. Grid ref: SW847312.
Stage 1
Your walk begins at the entrance to St Anthony Head car park, just before the parking area itself, where you will see an information board about the headland. The large-scale map shows the walk route outlined in pink and your starting point. From here, cross the road and take the path opposite, waymarked by the sign showing 'Link to Coast Path'.
Stage 2
The steep path winds its way down through shrubby tree cover, until you reach a series of stone steps near the bottom. Take care here as the steps are uneven. Little Molunan beach is before you, with its wooden bridge crossing the stream above. If you don't want to visit the beach, follow the coast path around to your left.
Stage 3
After a few yards, you will come to a white wooden gate with a stone stile around it on the seaward side that doubles as a viewing point. Passing through these, continue on along the coast path.
Stage 4
Around 100 yards (100 metres) further on, you will see a small white building, the Old Paraffin Store, to your right. Towards the end of this low section of coast path you will be approaching the Lighthouse. Your walk dog-legs back up to the left before reaching the lighthouse, although you may choose to take a closer look before continuing.
Stage 5
Take your time to climb the steep section of path that leads back up to the car park. Just before the very top you can take a detour to your right, to visit the battery observation post and bird hide. Otherwise, turn right at the top waymarker, and head on towards the fortifications on the top of the headland.
Stage 6
After admiring the views across Falmouth Bay and beyond, continue your walk along the coast path as it winds around to your left through shrubby vegetation. The view will open up on your right, to reveal the tiny sheltered bay overlooked by the bird hide below on the right, and steep cliffs opposite on the left.
Stage 7
Follow the path on for about 100 yards/metres or so. Pass through a gate to see a pink arrow waymarker pointing you leftwards inland. Passing by arable fields and wide inland views to your right, the path returns you to the car park and your start point, via a wooden gate at the end.
End point
St Anthony Head car park, near Portscatho, Truro, Cornwall TR2 5HA. Grid ref: SW847312.
Trail map
St Anthony Head circular walk map | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
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Get in touch
St Anthony Head, nr Portscatho, Truro, Cornwall, TR2 5HA
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