Description
The coast runs from Perranporth south around St Agnes Head to Goonvrea. The most prominent feature of the coastline is St Agnes Beacon, now owned by the National Trust. Despite the sound of its name, the Beacon is not manmade, but the high hill above the town that looks out to the Atlantic. The name "Beacon" comes from the old Cornish "Bryanick", or "pointed hill".
There is good walking around St Agnes, including a circular route through the Jericho Valley following Trevellas Coombe. Nearby, a great earthwork dating to the Dark Ages runs from Chapel Porth to Trevaunance.
An excellent network of bridleways and footpaths surround Perranporth, and the Tourist Information Centre there has leaflets and maps of the footpaths. The coast is spectacular in the spring when the clifftops are blessed with blooms.
At Wheal Coates there is a striking group of old mine buildings on the cliffs. The buildings are now owned by the National Trust and provide good views along the coast.
Area Countryside attractions
The South West Coast Path
Easily the longest and, in places, the most arduous, of England's National Trails. The path is actually the amalgamation of 4 paths; the Somerset & North Devon, Cornwall, South Devon, and Dorset Coastal paths. The route is quite popular, and it can be crowded in the summer months, though there are always long stretches where your only company will be a chorus of sea birds. More ...
Godrevy-Portreath Heritage Coast
A dramatic, sheer cliff some 250 feet in height, this heritage coast provides several outstanding viewpoints. More ...
Maps:
OS Landranger series #200, 203
