Loe Bar

Loe bar is a stretch of sand than divided The Loe, also known as Loe Pool, from the Atlantic Ocean. The bar was formed in the 12th century and until then merchant ships could sail up the River Cober as far as Helston. The steep and course grained shingle of Loe Bar are often overlooked by beach-goers because of its notorious reputation dangerous waters and remoteness. Local superstition also warns that the Loe claims a victim every seven years, and sadly this seems to hold true, despite the many warning signs advising people not to swim there. The Loe is the largest natural freshwater lake in Cornwall. Both the Loe Pool, Carminowe Creek and Loe Bar are designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. It is also designated as an Area of Outstanding Beauty AONB and is considered a classic Geological Conservation Review Site.

No lifeguards on duty.

Dog friendly

Directions: Park in Penrose woods National Trust car-park and walk to the bar or walk 20 minutes along the coastal path to Loe Bar. Alternatively, try canoeing from Helston by starting at the boating lake.

Beach location: 50.07000, -5.29582

Porthleven Beach

The steep and course grained sands of Porthleven beach are often overlooked by beach-goers because of its notorious reputation for rough waters. Although this is very often true, during calmer periods Porthleven beach is an excellent stretch of sand worth visiting with the added safety of seasonal lifeguards on duty. During the winter months, large Atlantic storms crash onto the beach and produce a phenomenal backwash and the illusion of 100ft+ waves. Many of these prolific storms have been captured by photographers and the images exhibited on numerous postcards around the village. Be very careful when swimming here, even with lifeguard on duty. The under-toe caused by the steeply shelving beach can be treacherous, even for the strongest swimmer. To the west end of the beach is Porthleven pier and produces some world class waves at low tide and a “pit of death” at high tide that remains almost exclusive to bodyboarders to the shallow reef upon which it breaks.

Lifeguards on duty.

friendly (October to Easter)

Directions: Porthleven is sign-posted from along the main Penzance to Helston road. Park either at the harbour head or down by the pier.

Beach location: 50.08072, -5.3136

Praa Sands

Mounts Bay on the south coast of Cornwall, harbors an array of exquisite beaches, Praa Sands being one of the most popular. Praa (pronounced Pray by the locals) is a mile long stretch of golden sand that throws up great sand banks and fun waves all year round. The western end of the beach is known as Sydney cove and provides shelter from the prevailing Westerly winds that batter the Cornish shores. The eastern end of the beach, Hendra, is far quieter due to the lack of parking and facilities but is preferable on busier summer days.  The beach is home to the world famous Praa Sands Raft Race, held annually at the beginning of August, and a definite highlight in the Cornish social calendar. Pirates take over the west end of the beach for the day and you will see a whole spectrum of impressive vessels setting sail throughout the day.

Lifeguards on duty.

Dog friendly (October to Easter)

Directions: Praa Sands is clearly sign-posted from the top of the hill along the main Penzance to Helston road. Follow the road down the hill and park in either of the pay-and-display car parks. Clamping is rampant here so be careful.

Beach location: 50.102909,-5.388458

 

Vault Beach

Vault beach, also known as Bow Beach, is a fine, grey shingled beach near Mevagissey on the south coast of Cornwall. The beach curves round gently round to form a crescent shaped cove that is good for swimming and snorkelling. A few years ago this stretch of coastline was often deserted due to its lack of proximately to any major towns or roads, but the recent influx of folks visiting St. Austell and the surrounding area means that this is longer the case. The impressive landmass of Dodman Point rises 110m upwards, flanking the beach to the west and can provide impressive views once at altitude, although the footpath is very steep and the walk can be strenuous. There are no facilities available here; the closest being in Gorran Haven 0.5 mile to the north. Richard Curtis chose Vault beach as the location for many of the shots in his film, About Time. The far west side of the Vault beach is a favourite for naturists so don’t be surprised if you get an eyeful of sausages, mangoes and tacos. You’ve been warned!

Dog friendly all year round.

No lifeguards on duty.

Directions: Follow directions to Mevagissey and shortly after the Pentewan turning take a right towards Gorran Haven. Park at Gorran Haven and take the footpath southwards to Vault Beach. Access down to the beach is from the east side of the cove.

Secret beach location: 50.234854,-4.787722

Hemmick Beach

Hemmick Beach is a secluded stretch of sand near Mevagissey on the south coast of Cornwall. It is fairly small and quite often uncrowded, even during summer, due to the tough-going 10-12 minute walk required to reach it. The majority of visitors are from the Boswinger Youth Hostel is roughly half a mile inland from the beach. The impressive landmass of Dodman Point flanks the beach to the east and can provide impressive views once at altitude, although the footpath is very steep and the walk can be strenuous. The fine sands of Hemmick Beach extend out to rock pools at low tide and the waters are safe for bathing and swimming. There are no facilities at Hemmick Beach so bring your own supplies including water for the walk, especially in water conditions.

Dog friendly.

No lifeguards on duty.

Directions: Follow directions to Mevagissey and shortly after the Pentewan turning take a right towards Gorran Haven. At Gorran Haven, hang a right and continue along this road a mile until you see a left turn. There will be a very small National Trust car park with space for approximately 5 cars. Then take the 10-12 minute walk through the fields down to Hemmick Beach.

Secret beach location: 50.230022,-4.814415

Porthluney Cove

 Settled beneath the striking grounds of Caerhays Castle & Gardens is Porthluney Cove, also known as Caerhays Beach. The beach is also part of the Caerhays estate and a motorised water craft ban has been put in place to keep the preserve the tranquillity of the cove. This south-facing sandy beach overlooks Gerrans Bay on the south coast of Cornwall, approximately 4 miles west of Mevagissey. The beach located in the swell shadows of the Lizard and Roseland Peninsulas, often resulting in calm waters ideal for swimming and bathing. Unlike many of the other beaches along this part of the coast, Porthluney has a large expanse of sand that does not become submerged at high tide. Facilities available to visitors include a small shop, café and toilets.

 

No lifeguards on duty.

Dog friendly.

Directions: Follow directions to Mevagissey, shortly after the Pentwean turning, take a right onto the Gorran Haven road. Follow signposts to Caerhays and take the road thorugh Rescassa and onwards to Porthluney. There is a car park adjacent to the beach that is also used by Caerhays Castle visitors.

Secret beach location: 50.235677,-4.842224

Portholland Beach

Mid-way along Cornwall’s south coast, approximately 5 miles west of Mevagissey, lies the two villages of East Portholland and West Portholland, each with their own adjacent pebbled coves. At high tide the coves are generally inaccessible but at low tide they form one large beach separated by a band on rocks and pools in the middle. The beach is ideal for families with safe bathing waters and numerous rock pools to explore. Due to the limited parking space it is rarely crowded, even during the busier summer months. Portholland is classed as a National Heritage Site and therefore, has remained relatively unspoilt for more than 100 years. The villages of Portholland are part of the nearby Caerhays Castle estate; a semi-castellated, Grade I listened manor house that is world famous for its large magnolia collection. Toilets can be found at East Portholland and refreshments are available during the summer. Potential rock falls mean that caution should be taken when moving directly underneath the cliffs.

Dog friendly (west end of beach only).

No lifeguard on duty.

Directions: Follow directions to Mevagissey, shortly after the Pentwean turning, take a right onto the Gorran Haven road. Follow signposts to Caerhays and take the road thorugh Rescassa and onwards past Porthluney and finally down to Portholland. Beachside parking can be found at both ends of the beach with space for about 30 cars at the eastern end. Be wary of the narrow roads when approaching the beach.

Secret beach location: 50.235238,-4.862909

Towan Beach

Not to be confused with Newquay’s Towan Beach, this one is located on the Roseland Peninsula and is far quieter. The south east-facing Towan beach is situated at the southern end of Gerrans Bay and is in the lee of the prevailing south westerly winds. The spacious beach is consistently comprised of shingle with a rocky shoreline. A small sandy channel between the rocks in the middle of the beach appears as the tide drops out. Impressive views across Gerrans Bay can be found by taking a small hike (2.5 miles) from Towan Beach up to St Anthony Head. This beautiful stretch of coastline exhibits some of Cornwall’s finest beaches and the South West Coastal Path will allow avid walkers access to almost all of them. The surrounding waters are often frequented by impressive basking sharks during the warmer months.

Dog friendly.

No lifeguards on duty.

Directions: Follow sign posted directions to St. Mawes and Trewithian. Continue onwards to Portscatho and through Gerrans and Porth Creek. Just beyond Porth Creek is Porth Farm where you will find a small car park. Then take the 5 minute walk down the footpath and onto the beach.

Secret beach locaton: 50.157738,-4.983888

Porthbeor Cove

The south east-facing Porthbeor Cove is a secluded sandy/shingled beach that hides an exciting array of rock pools at low tide. Situated below steep cliffs near the tiny hamlet of Bohortha on the very tip of the stunning Roseland Peninsula, Porthbeor Cove is very quiet and rarely visited due to remote location and difficulty of access. A popular anchorage for yachts due to its solitude, a number of boats can be seen sitting just offshore but within in swimming distance during the summer. The surrounding waters are also frequented by other visitors; impressive basking sharks during the warmer months. The cliffs surrounding Porthbeor Cove make a great elevated view point for spotting these gentle giants. This beautiful stretch of coastline exhibits some of Cornwall’s finest beaches and the South West Coastal Path will allow avid walkers access to almost all of them.

Dog friendly.

No lifeguards on duty.

Directions: Follow sign posted directions to St. Mawes and Trewithian. Continue onwards to Portscatho and through Gerrans, Porth Creek and Porth Farm. Turn left onto St. Anthony Head and park in the small car park on the headland. From here take the 1 mile walk eastward along South West Coast Path to Porthbeor.

Secret beach location: 50.149544,-4.993415

Portscatho Beach

On the eastern side of the Roseland Peninusla, just south of Gerrans Bay, is the small working fishing village of Portscatho. Its small east-facing beach is mainly rocky but scattered areas of sand can be found. As the tide drops the enigbouring beach of Porthcurniclk can be reached by foot and makes for a brilliant walk but be aware of tides to avoid being cut-off. This beautiful stretch of coastline exhibits some of Cornwall’s finest beaches and the South West Coastal Path will allow avid walkers access to almost all of them. The surrounding waters are often frequented by impressive basking sharks during the warmer months. Numerous facilities are available to visitors including cafés, pubs, shops and toilets.

Dog friendly (October to Easter).

No lifeguards on duty.

Directions: Follow sign posted directions to St. Mawes and Trewithian. Continue onwards to Portscatho and park in the small carpark situated in the village. The beach is only a short walk away.

Secret beach location: 50.180361,-4.974318

Pendower Beach

Pendower Beach lies at the eastern end of a large sandy beach, about  1.5 mile long, between Nare Head and Portscatho, in Gerrans bay on the Roseland Peninsula. Pendower Beach meets up with Carne Beach toward the eastern end of the crescent shaped beach and becomes considerably sandier the further east one ventures. On a high tide only a small fringe of sand is accessible but as the tide ebbs a large expanse of sand and rock pools await. Spectacular sea views can be found by taking a short walk up to the cliff of Nare Head. Although the Lizard and Roseland Peninsulas do create somewhat of a wave shadow, Carne beach is popular with surfers and fun waves can be had in larger south westerly swells.

Dog friendly (must be on a lead).

No lifeguards on duty.

Directions: Follow directions to St. Mawes and Veryan.  Continue following sign posts to Pendower and eventually the road will to a very small car park at the top of the cliffs. Alternative parking can be found at Carne be, further along this road.

Secret beach location: 50.204484,-4.949255

Carne Beach

Carne Beach lies at the eastern end of a large sandy beach, about 1.5 mile long, between Nare Head and Portscatho, in Gerrans bay on the Roseland Peninsula. Carne Beach meets up with Pendower Beach toward the western end of the crescent shaped beach and becomes considerably rockier the further west one goes. On a high tide only a small fringe of sand is accessible but as the tide ebbs a large expanse of sand awaits. Although the Lizard and Roseland Peninsulas do create somewhat of a wave shadow, Carne beach is popular with surfers and fun waves can be had in larger south westerly swells. Spectacular sea views can be found by taking a short walk up to the cliff of Nare Head.

Dog friendly (October to Easter).

No lifeguards on duty.

Directions: Follow directions to St. Mawes and Veryan.  Continue following sign posts to Pendower and eventually the road will lead down to Carne Beach. Park in the small National Trust car park by the beach.

Secret beach location: 50.206242,-4.934149

Porthcurnick Beach

The south-facing cove of Porthcurnick is a relatively isolated cove surrounded by high cliffs on the stunning Roseland Peninsula in Cornwall. A wide sandy beach is accessible at high tide but as the water ebbs large flat sands and rock pools are revealed and the neighbouring Portscatho cove can be reached by foot. Although the beach is actually privately owned, it is still accessible to the public via a slipway at the northern end of the cove. During the summer months a small shop and toilet facilities are available and further facilities are provided in the nearby Portscatho.  This beautiful stretch of coastline exhibits some of Cornwall’s finest beaches and the South West Coastal Path will allow avid walkers access to almost all of them. The surrounding waters are often frequented by impressive basking sharks during the warmer months.

Dog friendly.

No lifeguards on duty.

Directions: Follow sign posted directions to St. Mawes and Trewithian. Continue onwards to Portscatho and park in the small car park. Follow signposts to the beach and take the footpath across the open fields and down the zig-zagging steps onto the beach.

Secret beach location: 50.185582,-4.972601