Walk through Polly Joke

Follow the path between wildflower-bursting meadows and endless fields towards this secluded cove.

Lowenna from our Marketing team takes us on the walk down to Polly Joke, a peaceful beach just ten minutes from Crantock village.

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The early bird...

It's only half past nine in the morning but the sun is high in the sky above this stretch of coastline, as I set off on my walk towards Polly Joke Beach. A lesser-known gem tucked away in a valley of sheep-dotted hills, this cove is walkable from nearby Crantock village and can also be visited by car, with three car parks nearby. 

The countryside before the coast

Starting on a bumpy path on the West Pentire side of the cliffs, this route takes you through wooden gates, colourful fields and unruly hedgerows on the gradual decline down to the sand. On my right as I begin is Crantock Beach, its crescent of sand separated by a stretch of ocean. Immediately to either side of me lie fields of yellow and red wildflowers. If you visit in late spring to early summer, these fields will be blooming with vibrant poppies, filling the space with a dazzling burst of scarlet. 

Cocooned by nature

At the signpost, turn left down towards the beach. As you wander down, delight in the uninterrupted sounds of bees buzzing in and out of the meadows, the low rumble of the ocean becoming audible in the distance. This walk to the beach is one of the most peaceful in the area; with no roads or buildings and few people, you become cocooned by the sounds, sights and smells of nature. 

First glimpse of the sea

The moment that the beach comes into clear view is always special. White waves gallop onto the sand, curling around the shapes of early morning swimmers. Down on the beach, you can cross a trickling river by a small footbridge or paddle through it, letting the water lap onto your feet. At this time in the morning, the beach is relatively quiet, the perfect time to secure a sheltered spot tucked into one of the nooks of the cliff for a day of sunbathing. Polly Joke is dog friendly all year round, and it has no lifeguards, so be sure to be careful if you're going in the water. 

In just under ten minutes, you have reached a waterside haven. However, if you would like to carry on the walk, you can climb up onto the other side of the cliff, where an uninterrupted coastpath leads you round to Holywell Bay. This route takes you past sheep, which populate the fields, so be sure to keep dogs on leads. If you look down, you may spot the colony of grey seals that bask on the cliffside coves at low tide.

Getting food nearby

If a day down on the beach leaves you feeling peckish, head back into Crantock village where you will find an array of tearooms and pubs serving light snacks, hearty meals and everything in between. Our particular favourite is Jam Jar Kitchen, a courtyard café tucked underneath a canopy of grapevines which serves superfood smoothies and bagels by day and wood-fired sourdough pizza with rosé by night.

Find the perfect base to explore Polly Joke

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