Talland Bay and Polperro

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Our view

"A pleasant coastal walk through old-time smugglers' country."

Walk directions

Leave by the car park entrance and turn left along the lane. The lane descends quite steeply once over the brow of the hill. Watch out for traffic.

Bear off left along a mossy path to reach Talland Church. On leaving the church turn right, through the porch exit, and follow a sunken path through the graveyard to reach some steps. Go through a gate and rejoin the lane. Descend very steeply to reach little Rotterdam Beach, by the entrance to the Smugglers’ Rest Café.

Continue along the road, and at a junction turn down left past the public toilets. Follow the road round right above Talland Sand Beach and past Talland Bay Beach Café. Beyond the beach, bear round left and ascend a very steep surfaced path. Where the path merges with a lane, continue steeply uphill.

Keep straight ahead where the lane joins a wider road. Pass Polperro School and go down a narrow lane between hedges. Turn left at a T-junction, signed ‘Town Centre’, and descend steeply into Polperro and to the harbour.

Turn left above the harbour, signposted ‘Coast Path’, then left again along Lansallos Street. Cross a bridge on your left by ‘The House on the Props’ and then turn right along The Warren. Continue along the coast path for just under 0.5 miles (800m). At a junction take the left branch and climb steeply.

At a guide post, turn right to follow the coast path. This section has been re-opened after several years of closure due to a landslip. Follow the path, passing a war memorial, to reach Talland Bay and Rotterdam Beach.

Opposite the Smugglers’ Rest Café, turn right across the small car parking area above Rotterdam Beach. Go through a gate and climb either of two sets of steep steps. Follow the coast path along the bottom edge of sloping fields.

Go through a kissing gate and continue along the coast path. Go up a series of steep steps and then cross a stile by a sign indicating the National Trust’s Hendersick property. Continue along the coast path, round Hore Point, going up and down some steep flights of steps on the way. Go through a gate, cross a wooden footbridge and then go through another gate. Cross a second footbridge and climb steep steps.

At the top of the steps, by a wooden signpost, turn sharply left, signed ‘Hendersick’, and follow a grassy path to reach the outer corner of a wire fence. Continue up the path to a gate. Go through the gate, continue along the path, and then go through a gate with a barn to its left. Walk down a track for a few paces, then go left through a gate and follow a path through trees. Go through the gate, bear left across a track and go up a path to the car park.

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Location

Nearest postcode:

Additional information

Terrain - Good coastal footpath and quiet lanes; paths can become muddy after prolonged rain; several stiles

Landscape - Gentle coastal area with occasional low cliffs

Dog friendliness - Lead required in field areas

Parking - Hendersick National Trust car park

Toilets en route - Just before Talland Sand beach and Polperro

Walks in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Dog-friendly walks in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly

About the walk

This walk explores the old fishing village of Polperro. The route also passes through peaceful coastal and inland sections of National Trust property between Talland and Hendersick, and the small beaches at Talland Bay. Fishing was a mainstay here from medieval times, but this section of coast was...

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Been on this walk?

Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.

Find out more

Walking in Safety

Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.

Learn more

Get an AA guide

Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.

Learn more

About the area

Cornwall has just about everything – wild moorland landscapes, glorious river valley scenery, picturesque villages and miles of breathtaking coastline. Known for its popular surfing spots, the region provides ample opportunities for water sport enthusiasts, and for those who prefer to stay on land, visitor attractions like the Eden Project and the Lost Gardens of Heligan offer a lovely day out.