From Chapel Porth to Towan Cross
Recommended by
Our view
"The wildlife habitats of clifftop mine workings, maritime heathland and a wooded valley"
Walk directions
From the back of the car park cross a wooden bridge over a stream and follow a path inland beside the stream. After about 0.25 miles (400m), at a junction, turn sharply right and follow a stony track uphill. At a junction of tracks (acorn signpost) on the cliff top, keep ahead along a broad, stony track, parallel to the coast.
Follow the track through heaps of waste stone below the ruins of Great Wheal Charlotte mine stack. Keep ahead along the coast path. Take particular care of young children and dogs at a short section near the unfenced cliff edge.
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Additional information
Terrain
- Stony underfoot on cliff top, otherwise good; may be muddy in valley bottom
Landscape
- Dramatic, desolate mining landscape and lush green valley
Dog friendliness
- Off lead but under control. No dogs on Chapel Porth beach
Parking
- Chapel Porth car park (National Trust)
Toilets en route
- Chapel Porth car park
About the walk
The area surrounding the seaside village of St Agnes and its neighbouring cove of Chapel Porth has a dramatic history of tin and copper mining. Even the car park at Chapel Porth, from where this walk begins, was once crammed full of mine buildings and industrial activity. In the 19th century,...
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Walking in Safety
Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.
Get an AA guide
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Been on this walk?
Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.
Walking in Safety
Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.
Get an AA guide
Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.
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.
Nearby places to stay
View all (8)
Caravan & Camping
Beacon Cottage Farm Holidays
- Launderette
- Ice pack facility
- Picnic Area
- Shop onsite
Nearby places to stay
Beacon Cottage Farm Holidays
Beacon Cottage is part of a traditional Cornish working family farm. It’s situated in an Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the Heritage Coast and the Southwest Coast Path pass nea...
Bodannon Beach House
Bodannon apartment features a good number of thoughtful, homely touches throughout, and is only five minutes’ walk from Porth and Fistral beaches. A super place for a family holiday. Yo...
Bodannon
Bodannon apartment features a good number of thoughtful, homely touches throughout, and is only five minutes’ walk from Porth and Fistral beaches. A super place for a family holiday. Yo...
Presingoll Farm Caravan & Camping Park
An attractive rural park adjoining farmland, with extensive views of the coast beyond. Family owned and run, with level grass pitches, and a modernised toilet block in smart converted f...
Rosemundy House Hotel
Rosemundy House Hotel is an elegant Georgian house that's been carefully restored and extended to provide comfortable bedrooms and spacious,, inviting public areas. The hotel is set in ...
Old Basset Cottage
‘Old Basset’ holiday accommodation is the original 17th century farmhouse on Wheal Basset Farm. Now completely renovated to a very high standard it sleeps up to 4 people and has its own...
Old Basset Cottage
‘Old Basset’ holiday accommodation is the original 17th century farmhouse on Wheal Basset Farm. Now completely renovated to a very high standard it sleeps up to 4 people and has its own...
Porthtowan Tourist Park
Porthtowan Tourist Park is a neat, level grassy site on high ground with plenty of shelter from mature trees and shrubs. Situated a mile from the Cornish surfing beach of Porthtowan, th...
Places to eat nearby View all
