Secret Season: Portreath to Porthtowan
17th March 2026
It’s Secret Season, and this week we’re exploring a stretch of the north coast which has a wilder feel to it. Between Portreath and Porthtowan, the coastline is rugged and open, shaped by mining history, Atlantic weather and the steady rhythm of the sea. It’s a brilliant place for a winter walk — dramatic and varied, with plenty to spot along the way.
Start in Portreath
Begin in the harbour village of Portreath, where fishing boats sit behind the narrow harbour entrance and surfers gather on the beach.
Before setting off, grab breakfast or a coffee from The Pod Café and take a wander around the harbour.
Keep an eye out for some of the village’s historic landmarks. A tidal pool sits hidden in the rocks beneath the harbour wall. Lady Basset’s Baths, a collection of unique hand-carved baths created in the 18th century for Lady Basset to bathe in the cliffside.
The white Pepperpot Daymark perches high on the cliffs above the harbour, originally built as a signpost for passing ships. If you’ve got the time, take the short detour up to the viewing point for a wide view back over the beach and coastline.
To join the South West Coast Path, walk up the road out of the village and follow the signs to the clifftop.
The coast path to Porthtowan
The walk between Portreath and Porthtowan takes around two hours. It’s not the easiest stretch of coast path – there are a couple of steep climbs with steps, and parts can get muddy at this time of year – but the views make it worth it.
Along the way the landscape shifts constantly. Gorse brightens the clifftops in early spring, freshwater streams tumble down the valleys to the sea like mini waterfalls, and old mining workings sit quietly in the grass. In places the path has been carved directly into the cliffs, with steep steps rising and falling between headlands.
Wildlife is never far away here. Seals are often spotted along the rocks below, and if you’re lucky you might see the distinctive red-beaked Cornish chough wheeling overhead.
There are several hidden coves along the route. First comes Rankine Cove, followed by the nature reserve at Sally’s Bottom, and then Felicity’s Cove, where the rocky landmark known as the Tobban Horse sits just offshore.
They’re difficult to reach on foot, but beautiful to pause and look down on – and a good place to scan the rocks for seals basking in the sun.
As you get closer to Porthtowan, you’ll pass the historic mining remains at Wheal Tye, a reminder of the industrial history that once shaped this coastline dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries.
Arriving in Porthtowan
The path eventually drops down into Porthtowan, where the wide sandy beach opens out between the cliffs. At low tide you can sometimes find a small hidden tidal pool at the far end of the beach – perfect for a quick dip if you’re feeling brave.
Walk along the sand to see the mining remains of Wheal Charlotte, which sit quietly at the edge of the beach.
For lunch, head straight to Porthtowan Beach Cafe, known for its relaxed atmosphere and front-row view of the sea. Keep an eye out for the resident sausage dog, Slinky, who’s often wandering around greeting visitors. Afterwards, stop next door at Moomaid of Zennor Porthtowan for ice cream.
Getting back
If you’re feeling energetic you can always walk back the same way. Otherwise, many walkers use the A2B Taxis Cornwall App to arrange a ride back to Portreath. Phone signal along the cliffs can be patchy, but the cafés in Porthtowan usually have Wi-Fi if you need it.
However you return, it’s a stretch of coastline that rewards slow exploring – dramatic cliffs, hidden coves and plenty of reasons to pause along the way.
Stay in Portreath or Porthtowan and explore coastal wonder out of season.
