This is about as gentle as coastal walking gets in rugged Cornwall – a chance to get close to the rocky shoreline and sandy beaches without having to tackle roller-coaster cliffs.
Starting from tranquil Portscatho, it heads south along field edges and above rock outcrops where seabirds gather to preen and socialise. From Towan Beach, you return along more sheltered tracks and lanes running parallel with the outward route.
Minimal ascent means you’re in for an easy, but potentially bracing stroll with the added bonus of a café to warm up in at the half-way mark.
Portscatho to Towan Beach walk
4.9 miles/7.9km | 3 hours | moderate | 155m ascent
1. Start
From the car park, turn right along the road and, in 100 yards, take the easy-to-miss, shady path on the right. There’s an option to drop on to tiny Porthcurnick Beach at the bottom; otherwise, climb the steps on the right to join the South West Coast Path heading south.
A surfaced lane then leads into Portscatho, once a centre for pilchard fishing, now a peaceful spot – as pretty as many a Cornish village, but not as busy as some. Go straight over a crossing of lanes, then left at the T-junction, walking above the bay.
2. Greeb Point
At the lane-end, bend right to continue on the coast path. Cormorants can be seen, wings spread, on the rocks below.
Eventually, having passed around Greeb Point, a National Trust sign welcomes you to Towan Beach – the path staying above the secluded crescent of golden sand.
3. Thirstea Company café
The beach itself can be accessed by heading left on reaching a crossing of paths at its southern end. The main route, though, goes right. A path on the left then peels off to visit the Thirstea Company café.
Alternatively, to continue on the walk, keep to the main path. Turn right at the road and quickly fork right along a hedge-lined track, climbing steadily. When the track bends left, keep straight ahead on grass – over a stile and through a gate, later joining a partly sealed lane.
4. Gerrans
Turn right at the road in Gerrans, soon looking out to the open sea. Opposite the memorial hall car park, head left up Stodden Steps. The path goes left, then right and up into a cul-de-sac (California Gardens).
Follow the road down to the right and then turn left along Treventon Road. Go right at the T-junction and, in just a few strides, take the path on the left. Beyond a gate, bear half-right across the field. Cross the road to re-enter the car park where the walk started.
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Portscatho map
Portscatho walking route and map
Useful information
Starting point
Portscatho and Porthcurnick Beach pay-and-display car park on northern edge of Portscatho (SW876357). Portscatho and Gerrans are served by bus number 50 (St Mawes to Truro).
Terrain
Mostly level coast path, some sandy stretches; village roads and pavement; farm lane and tracks
Map
OS Explorer 105
Eat/drink
The Thirstea Company above Towan Beach serves up simple food made with produce ‘grown, made, roasted, reared, laid or churned in Cornwall’. Closed Fridays in winter. 01872 580773
