Padstow and the South-West Coast Path

Pete Brett

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This circular walk commences above the attractive old fishing-port of Padstow, made famous in recent years by the renowned chef and restaurant owner Rick Stein, whose place can be found in a back street of the town.

Walking beside the pretty Camel Estuary with its safe bathing beach at Harbour Cove, we soon find ourselves on the exposed Atlantic coast clifftop. The stone daymark built in 1832 to guide ships into the River Camel has panoramic views to the granite tors of Bodmin Moor and along the dramatic coastline.

Passing disused slate quarries, we continue west before all too soon turning inland over fields with slate stiles to the Elizabethan manor-house of Prideaux Place, with its adjacent deer-park open to visitors in summer. The church of St Petroc dating mainly from the 15th Century and the Shipwreck Museum can both be found in Padstow. The town has a busy tourist trade even in winter and a wide selection of outlets sell Cornish ice cream, pasties and teas.

England - South West England - Cornwall - Coast

Features

Church, Flowers, Food Shop, Good for Kids, Great Views, Museum, Pub, Sea, Stately Home, Tea Shop, Toilets, Wildlife
7/31/2019 - Alan and Jackie Bennett

Excellent walk very dog friendly. We agree to walk the other way round would in fact enhance it further as it is definitely the best 7km of the walk along the coast but either way is lovely.

7/3/2017 - Nigel Williamson

A very pleasant walk with some great views. Follow the instructions carefully in Crugmeer!! If you want the sea views at the end then do the walk in reverse as suggested by another contributor.

5/6/2009 - Louise Patrick

A lovely walk but next time we'll definately go the other way round to get the stunning sea views at the end! A word of warning for people with short legs though, some of the stiles are fairly high, but its well worth it, some beautiful views!

12/9/2006 - Sandra Sturrock

Excellent walk, good scenery all the way. Many thanks.