Stomp
Lace up your walking boots. It’s time to explore on foot. From big coastpath hikes to laidback inland wanders, if it’s fresh air and a grammable snap or two you’re after, we’ve got you.
1. Porth to Watergate Bay
Distance: 3.1 miles (one way)
Difficulty: Easy-moderate
Best for: Epic Atlantic views from start to finish
It’s a well-trodden path but we couldn’t miss this gem-of-a-walk that starts on our doorstep. Step outside SeaSpace and turn right to follow the South West Coast Path north to Watergate Bay. This two-mile beach is one of Cornwall’s best surf spots, so prep a picnic in your apartment kitchen, find a spot on the sand and watch the waves (or jump in for a splash yourself, if you’ve got the energy!).
If you’re feeling fired up to take a bigger hike, carry on along the coastpath from Watergate for another 4.7 miles to the village of Mawgan Porth. From there you can hop on the bus or retrace your steps back to SeaSpace.
2. Polly Joke & West Pentire
Distance: 2.2 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Best for: Chowing down a pub lunch
A local’s favourite, this easygoing route takes in West Pentire and Polly Joke beach. It delivers stellar views all year round – but is at its absolute best in May and June, when thousands of wild red poppies crop up in the fields on the headland. Park up at The Bowgie Inn to start your walk and, once you’ve circled back around, refuel with a hunger-busting burger and a pint of Korev. It would be rude not to, right?
3. Porth Reservoir
Distance: 4.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Best for: Wildlife-spotting
If you can tear yourself away from the beaches for a few hours, Porth Reservoir is a peaceful walking spot. It’s four miles inland (only ten minutes in the car), so the landscape here offers something a little different to sea and sand. The circular route passes the reservoir lake through a wildlife reserve – keep your eyes peeled for deer, kingfishers and woodpeckers – as well as the hamlet of Colan and ruins of Fir Hill Manor. The reservoir is popular with anglers too, so you might pass some fishermen reeling in their catch. Lots to see. As the reservoir is a nature reserve, no dogs are allowed around the lake.
4. Newquay
Distance: 5.8 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Best for: Exploring Newquay
This circular walk traces the coastline of Newquay, the UK’s buzzing surf capital and the nearest town to us in Porth. Start at the harbour and make your way along the coastpath to Towan Head and the famous Fistral Beach. Stop for an ice cream (watch out for the seagulls), then continue along Pentire Point where the views over Crantock Beach and the Gannel Estuary are selfie worthy, for sure.
5. Porthcothan to Porth, via Bedruthan Steps
Distance: 9.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate-challenging
Best for: A proper stomp
If you’re keen for a decent stretch of the legs, try this half-day trek from Porthcothan to Porth. You’ll need to catch the bus or a taxi to your starting point at Porthcothan Bay near Padstow, then make your way south along the Atlantic-facing coastpath. This stretch includes the iconic Bedruthan Steps, where giant rock formations jut out from the water. One to snap and take home with you, without doubt. By the time you reach Porth you’re sure to be gasping for something refreshing and cold, and maybe a bite or too, which is lucky – because that’s what we’re here for.
Credit: Carsten Ruthemann
