The Cornwall Guide 2016

Buffeted by Atlantic waves, Cornwall’s North Coast is
a seventy-mile expanse of cliffs, bays, beaches and
clusters of seaside villages and towns. A big draw for
water sports enthusiasts, it’s equally appealing for all
kinds of holiday.
North
Rounding the corner from the Penwith Peninsula and
heading east, the coastline is exposed to the full force of
the Atlantic. In Portreath the harbour wall helps to shape
a perfect surfing wave known as ‘The Vortex’. In contrast,
the concealed beach at Chapel Porth, just a couple of
miles further along, provides the perfect spot to relax while
listening to the roar of the sea. Inland at St Agnes you’ll
find quaint shops and pubs, and the town makes a good
starting point for exploring parts of the coastal footpath.
The three miles of golden sand, big surf and
pretty sand dunes make popular Perranporth
a great example of the fantastic beaches to
be found on the North Coast. Walk the beach,
relax on the sand or grab a drink in one of the
beachside cafés. If you’re after something
a little quieter Crantock beach, on the River
Gannel estuary, is a lovely spot for a picnic.
COAST
Newquay, perhaps one of the best-known destinations
in the county and proud surf capital of Britain, is a
wonderful mix of vibrant resort and beautiful scenery.
The town is brimming with shops, cafes and restaurants,
and is considered to be the cultural and festival centre of
Cornwall, while its beaches are some of the finest around.
Head to nearby Watergate Bay, where at the
Extreme Academy you can learn all manner of
water sports, while the gentle waves at Mawgan
Porth make it a perfect place to learn to surf.
High on the cliffs, the views from the top of
Bedruthan Steps are spectacular, and equally
breath taking is the crescent shaped beach at
Harlyn Bay. Inland on the Camel River estuary,
Wadebridge provides for all your retail needs, be
they picnic treats, general provisions or surf gear.
Renowned for its fashionable shops and eateries,
Padstow is a lovely place to spend the day. Take
the ferry across to Rock and enjoy both sides
of this beautiful estuary. Perfect conditions at
Polzeath make it a surfer’s paradise, popular with
both participants and spectators. Many of the
little seaside towns along this stretch of coast are
well worth visiting, such as Trebarwith Strand,
formerly a port for shipping the area’s abundant
slate. Tintagel, steeped in Arthurian legend, is
home to Merlin’s Cave and the stunning ruins of
a 13th Century castle, said to be the birthplace of
King Arthur.
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