Walk through – Polzeath Beach to The Rumps
6th September 2018
Home to one of the world’s most renowned surf destinations, we walk you from Polzeath beach to The Rumps.
Popular with walkers, surfers and families galore, Polzeath is a great location for a day at the beach or a walk around some of the South West Coast Path’s most spectacular views.
Starting your journey at Polzeath, there is the option to park your car in the field at the top of the hill for £5 for a full day, or down on the beach itself. Enjoy a stroll across the sandy beach, over the stream running through the middle and up the steps on the right hand side to the path.
View all our self-catering properties in Polzeath.
Walk along the South West Coast Path inline with the right-hand side of the beach (when looking at the sea) where you can stop off to watch sun seekers, local surfers and children running along the wide stretch of golden sand.
Look out for this sign as the coastpath bends and begin to walk towards Port Quin, past the rolling waves.
Look out for this second sign just a little further along, which will lead you down a small track towards Pentire Point and onto The Rumps (get excited for this and don’t forget your camera).
As you get to the bottom of the path, walk over the bridge between the reeds and look left…
You’re welcome! A whole other beach that you didn’t know about. Much quieter than the main beach around the corner and perfect for pitching up for the afternoon with a picnic or evening BBQ.
Follow the path up the hill, where there are a couple of bench stops on your way to Pentire Point. Don’t forget your water.
This view of the bay makes that steep hill worth while. Perch yourself on the bench as you watch the waves roll in over the rocks.
On our walk we bumped into many four-legged friends, showing that this is a dog-friendly coastpath to be enjoyed by all. Please keep dogs on leads as there are deep cliff drops throughout.
As you leave Polzeath beach and the sound of families and cars, follow the path and make your way to Pentire Point, boasting jaw-dropping views. If you look to the south and west you’ll see the expanse of Padstow Bay and Trevose Head with its lighthouse.
Do you have little ones in tow? They’re in for a treat when you get to the large rockpools, filled with marine life in all shapes and sizes.
You’ll spot several gates on your walk, don’t forget to close these behind you as there are cattle in the fields behind the coastpath.
Once you get over one last hill, you’ve made it to ‘The Rumps’. This part of the coast was formed from a band of hard basaltic rock which was emplaced by undersea volcanic activity when this whole area lay on the bed of an ancient ocean. Sounds cool right?
We loved this little hole in the wall, we aren’t quite sure what it is for, but if you want to peak through, it can be found directly opposite The Rumps on your path.
Look out for several outcrops of pillow lava between The Rumps and Pentire Point on your journey back. These are visible from the coastpath and are created by the extrusion of lava under water. This coastal walk really does have it all.
One final look at the beautiful rock formations and The Rumps before you head back for some well deserved food and cocktails at the Waterfront Terrace, situated behind Polzeath beach. If you have more time, then The Rumps is accessible by foot if you wanted to get a little closer.
We headed to the Waterfront Terrace which boasts its very own herb garden surrounding its upper level dining area with picture perfect views over Polzeath beach. The herbs are especially grown for their unique and very popular cocktails and Cornish food menu.
It would be rude not to visit this restaurant without sampling a cocktail or two. This is ‘The Cornish Lady’ made up of Cornish Tarquins Gin, house-made Cornish Caccis, fresh sour mix with a side of lavender (freshly picked of course).
We also tasted the classic Mojito, with freshly picked mint, white rum, soda and sugar. Mmm are we tempting you yet?
If you choose to dine inside the Waterfront Terrace, expect stunning views of the beach that look alot like this. The perfect spot to unwind and watch the outdoor world pass you by.
If you love your seafood then you’re in for a treat. We highly recommend the 1/2 pint of shelled prawns as a starter, arriving with garlic mayo and freshly made bread.
We couldn’t decide which looked more delicious…the classic cod fish and chips with a side of mushy peas and tartar sauce or the fresh open crab sandwich with a side salad and squeeze of lemon. Don’t worry, our mouths are watering again too.
Why stop at two courses when your dessert is waiting for you back on the beach? We all get excited at the sight of a Kelly Whip van and a double scoop of Cornish Kelly’s ice-cream with a flake on top.
Book your Cornish self-catering holiday with Beach Retreats.
