Portloe - Veryan - Nare Head

Roy Davenport

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The parish of Veryan is situated on the beautiful Roseland Peninsula and extends along the south Cornish coast from Pendower Beach in the west to Portholland in the east.

The earliest settlers who left traces were tribes from the Bronze Age and Carne Beacon, not far from Carne Beach, is one of the largest burial mounds or 'barrows' in Britain. Later came the Iron Age Celts who in turn left their traces in the 'ringarounds', the barely discernible remains of their circular forts. In more peaceful times the main occupations within the parish have been farming and fishing – and a little smuggling, for the authorities had to set up a revenue team at Portloe to try and deter the illicit trade.

Roundhouses, Veryan: built by the Trist Family in the early 19th Century and situated at the entrances to the village, these private thatched circular cottages have become a unique feature of Veryan. It was thought that the round shape would guard the village from evil as there were no corners in which the devil could hide!

Portloe is the living reality of a Cornish fishing village. The boats unload lobster, crab and other fish. Pretty cottages cluster around the harbour and stretch up the valley on both sides. The village caters for the hungry and thirsty visitor with a local pub, hotel and restaurant producing excellent fare.

Like Port Isaac, Portloe must rate as one of Cornwall's most attractive coastal villages, largely because it has escaped the horrors of unwise development and remains truly unspoilt. Its situation is cramped and dramatic, squeezed in below the echoing, dark cliffs on the western flank of Veryan Bay. It is hard to imagine when looking at the harbour entrance how any successful fishery could be run from here. Portloe did once support a small drift fleet and a seine fishery however, whilst trading ketches landed and loaded goods on the beach; and some fishing still goes on today, with lobster and crab potting, to keep the place alive and real.

England - South West England - Cornwall - Coast

Features

Birds, Butterflies, Cafe, Church, Flowers, Food Shop, Gift Shop, Good for Kids, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Moor, National Trust, Play Area, Pub, Restaurant, Sea, Tea Shop, Toilets, Wildlife
8/21/2020 - Stephen Messenbird

What a lovely walk. A bit challenging at times but the views are stunning. The only point I would make is on point 2. As you cross in front of the cottages look for the gate past the last cottage on the right. You have to cross the garden to get to it. The people that own the house have made it look like the footpath doesnt exist. We asked the grumpy owner where the gate was and he reluctantly told us. Once through the gate you will find a well trodden path. Loved this walk. Highly recommended. Enjoy

6/14/2018 - Rudi Koch

Good clear instructions and a great walk. Hard work at times (particularly the downward sections, which are tough on the knees), but lots of wonderful views. Definitely needs good footwear (walking boots ideally) and perhaps a walking pole for extra stability when the pathway has loose stones or is slippery.