Category: Walking

Walk through – Porthleven

This unspoilt fishing village on Cornwall’s south coast is a place for all seasons. Its for ice cream-filled strolls in the summer and spray-flying storm-watching in the winter.

Discover our Porthleven holiday properties.

A happy mix of working village and holiday spot, the historic fishing harbour of Porthleven boasts being the most southerly working port in the UK, located between the Lizard Peninsula and Penzance.

Interested in staying in our most luxurious holiday cottages? Check out our luxury coastal cottages.

Come summer you’ll find children crabbing and jumping from the harbour wall, and at winter it’s up to The Ship Inn, an old fisherman’s pub built into the rocks at the entrance of the harbour, to watch the waves breaking over the iconic clock tower and pier.

We started our walk on Peverell Road and past The Atlantic Inn – nab the seats outside for a sundowner with spectacular views across the village and the sea to Penzance.

Snaking down the road you’ll see signs for the National Trust’s Penrose Estate and Loe Pool, the largest natural freshwater lake in Cornwall cut off from the sea by a shingle bar heaped by the heavy Atlantic seas. This is a great spot for nature watching, walking and running, well away from any main roads.

The main beach is patrolled by RNLI Lifeguards and in the summer is a sun trap thanks to large sea defences. This is the place to BBQ your freshly caught fish. Or if you’re unlucky like us, you’ll find locally caught fish available from Quayside Fish, voted Britain’s Best Fishmonger, on Fore Street.

Continuing on the theme of food you’ll find everything you need to eat and drink right on your doorstep here. The opening of Rick Steins Fish & Seafood in October last year firmly put Porthleven on the map as a foodie destination. But it would be a crying shame to miss out on the other great restaurants including Kota, Kota Kai, The Square Porthleven, SeaDrift Kitchen Café and Amelies.

Meanwhile, The Corner Deli serves breakfast, lunch and wood-fired pizzas on certain evenings, or pick up your own cheese and bread for a picnic on the beach. No visit is complete without going to Nauti But Ice serving more than 25 flavours of Roskilly’s organic ice cream from its Jersey herd and farm on the Lizard. Origin Coffee Roasters also opened The Brew House in 2014 as a place to experience Origin’s speciality coffee at its very best. Don’t forget pub grub at The Harbour or the two fish and chip shops too.

All this sets the scene for a burgeoning food festival. Porthleven Food & Music Festival sees a strong line up of recognised chefs. Save the date in April.

Discover what to see and do in Porthleven with our guide, showcasing its scenic beauty, vibrant culture, and culinary delights along the Cornish coast.

See our holiday cottages in Porthleven.

Walk through – Polzeath

A surfers’ haven with beautiful coastal walks to nearby Damer Bay and Rock, Polzeath is a small village situated across the Camel Estuary waters from Padstow.

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The late poet laureate, Sir John Betjeman, adored the North Coast of Cornwall and walking through the small village of Polzeath, it’s not hard to see why.
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Polzeath’s main draw is a fantastic beach which is also one of the UK’s best surfing destinations – there’s no shortage of surf schools and shops to take your pick from. Beach lovers head to New Polzeath, to the right of the bay, for a more relaxed swim.

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Polzeath may be small, but there are plenty of places to eat and shops to explore. At Surf Side, pretty much on the beach, make sure to try The Famous Lobster Roll or Mackerel Scone.

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Waterfront Bar and Grill, Polzeath
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With panoramic views of Polzeath Beach and Pentire Point, The Waterfront Bar and Grill’s terrace (pictured above) is the best places to enjoy a lazy lunch with a chilled glass of wine or dinner while the sun sets. On Sundays they do a traditional roast dinner (roast beef, Yorkshires and roasties of course). They are open all year round and have a variety of events and specials to keep you coming back.

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Galleon Beach Café is known for its outdoor pizza oven. You’ll also find fish and chips and ice creams a plenty in the village centre.

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The Tube Station is Polzeath’s community charity which serves home-made food at it’s café. But best of all you don’t have to eat or drink anything at all – its lounge space is there for everyone to use and enjoy.

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Whitewater Gallery is well worth a visit, with beautiful ceramics, paintings, jewellery and photographs all on display to buy. Fusion is more fashion-focussed but you’ll find some great gift ideas too.

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The village of Trebetherick and Daymer Bay are around the next corner, another fantastic beach which normally has calmer waves, ideal for swimmers and wind surfers.

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Take a pilgrimage to see Sir John Betjeman who is buried in St Enodoc Church, close to twelfth hole of the St Enodoc Golf Club. Or simply just sit on the beach and watch the day go by.

Polzeath is a 20 minute car journey from Watergate Bay and self catering accommodation from Beach Retreats.

Walk Through – The Gannel and Crantock

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The Gannel Estuary, North of Fistral and Pentire Point, is a tidal river that you can explore by foot, kayak or canoe, bike or horseback.

No longer navigable, it was once used to pole barges upriver carrying coal, timber or sand to distribute inland. Today there are still traces of boatyards, moorings and derelict craft.

Interested in staying in our most luxurious holiday cottages? Check out our luxury coastal cottages.

Beyond the boats, The Gannel Estuary is home to an abundance of wildlife, from wading birds such as Egrets to fish such as bass and sea trout, so be sure to take your binoculars and spot the local wildlife.

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We visited The Gannel Estuary at low tide and walked towards Crantock Beach, but not before we stopped off at the Fern Pit Cafe and had a Cornish crab sandwich and some homemade cake.

Fern Pit Cafe on East Pentire headland overlooks Crantock Beach and The Gannel, boasting stunning views across the beach. It’s also home to the tropical path leading towards the ferry boathouse.

Want to stay in Crantock, Newquay near to Fistral and Watergate? Have a look at our properties in Crantock.

The ferry boathouse, at the bottom of a steep path, provides access between Newquay and Crantock Beach at high tide, between 10am and 6pm. When the tide is out there is a foot bridge which can be used free of charge.

Either way you choose to travel, you’ll arrive on the stunning beach of Crantock. Here you can sit back, relax or explore and play until the sun goes down.

The Gannel Estuary and Crantock are so close to Fistral Beach, why not visit whilst on holiday with Beach Reatreats.

Discover the scenic walk from Crantock to a mystery location, exploring hidden gems and stunning coastal vistas along the way in Cornwall.

TAKE A LOOK AT OUR PROPERTIES IN FISTRAL

Walk Through – Portreath, Cornwall

We visited Portreath, a peaceful village around 45 45-minute drive down the coast from Beach Retreats headquarters. Evidence of Portreath’s history as one of Cornwall’s first industrial ports can be seen around the village.

Portreath Bakery is owned by the niece of one of the last fishermen to work out of the harbour. Their famous heavy cake was taken out to sea to sustain the fishermen during their trips.

Today the bakery is has an excellent reputation across Cornwall and nationally. And it is easy to see why from their tempting treats.

While traditional pasties can be bought alongside artisan breads. Walking down to the beach along the inner basin which was constructed in the 19th Century. Where you will find a pub on a beach, The Waterfront Inn.

Discover Portreath’s no-drive delights, where relaxation and adventure await just steps away from your doorstep along the stunning Cornish coast.

And a typically perfect Cornish beach, popular with surfers, bodyboarders and kayakers. As well and sandcastle creators and sunseekers.

Fancy staying in Portreath? Check out our Portreath holiday retreats.

Walk Through St Agnes

A picturesque walk through the village and around the coast.

St Agnes is a postcard Cornish village steeped in tin mining history. Nestled on the north coast of Cornwall, the seemingly sleepy town offers a relaxing spot for a self-catering family holiday. Discover inspiring coastal walks and independent shops; including greengrocers and butchers, and an array of places to eat. Wander the winding streets to find your favourite cafe, restaurant or brewery tucked away – hidden from the crowds.

Discover more of what St Agnes has to offer and explore our St Agnes holiday cottages.

The town is only a short walk away from our properties in St Agnes. Although a small town, you can find everything you need while on holiday. From greengrocers, butchers, a spa (for recharging your batteries), and a gift shop (to take home a slice of Cornwall.

Fancy staying in a holiday retreat with a hot tub? Check out our cottages with a hot tub for a relaxing getaway.

The Sorting Office, opposite the hairdressers, is the perfect place to stop for a morning coffee or afternoon cake. The delicious bakes are all homemade by a local family company called Rustic Cakes.

From the town, you can follow a pathway down to Trevaunance Cove. A sandy cove, with waterfront cafes, a pub and brewery, Trevaunance is popular with families, walkers and stand-up paddle boarders. On the beach, Koru Kayaking offer equipment hire and tours around Cornwall’s historic coast. Explore hidden sea caves, see the coast from a different perspective and spot a seal or two! For those who enjoy the ground beneath their feet, from Trevaunance Cove you can follow the coastal path through the gardens and up the cliff to Blue Hills.

Blue Hills still feels like an undiscovered part of Cornwall. Scattered with engine houses, chimneys and tine mines, walk in ancient miner’s footsteps as you descend the coastal path.

Take a captivating walk through Perranporth, exploring its expansive sandy beach, rugged cliffs, and vibrant seaside atmosphere along the Cornish coast.

Named after the blue and purple heather, which grows on the wild clifftops, Blue Hills provides a tranquil spot for a family picnic and soaking-up the views. At low tide, there is a small sandy cove and plenty of rockpools to explore. From this part of the coast, you can experience some amazing Cornish sunsets. Dine alfresco and discover your new kitchen on the beach with a family barbecue.

Book your self-catering family holiday in St Agnes.