Holywell Bay to Newquay

Holywell Bay to Newquay (via bus)

A one-way coastal walk, made circular via an initial bus journey, from Holywell Bay along the coast and Gannel estuary to Newquay, passing the beaches of Porth Joke and Crantock and the headland of West Pentire where there is a spectacular display of red-and-gold wildflowers in June.

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Download the (free) app then use it to purchase this walk.
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The app will direct you to the start of the walk via satnav.
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The app guides you around the walk using GPS, removing any worries about getting lost.
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The walk route is described with detailed, regularly-updated, hand-written directions.
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Each time there is a new direction to follow, the app will beep to remind you, and will warn you if you go off-route.
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A map shows the route, where you are at all times and even which way you are facing.
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Each walk is packed with information about the history and nature along the route, from over a decade of research than spans more than 3,000 topics.
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Once a walk is downloaded, the app doesn't need wifi or a phone signal during the walk.
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The app counts down distance to the next direction and estimates time remaining based on your personal walking speed.
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We keep the directions continually updated for changes to the paths/landmarks - the price for a walk includes ongoing free updates.

either as a GPS-guided walk with our app (£3.29) or a PDF of directions (£2.79) Example of directions

The walk begins with a bus journey from Newquay to Holywell Bay and heads down to the beach. The route crosses the top of the beach towards the sacred spring before joining the coast path across The Kelseys where there are magnificent views across Holywell Bay. The walk continues to the tiny undeveloped cove of Porth Joke. The walk then follows the outermost paths around West Pentire headland and continues on the coast path past the Bowgie Inn on the way to the Crantock beach. The walk then heads up The Gannel estuary and returns to Newquay through Trenance Gardens.

Highlights

  • The Holy Well - an amazing natural series of basins created from dissolved minerals
  • Spectacular display of poppies and corn marigolds in June
  • Panoramic views of the rugged coastline from the coast path, including a blowhole at Crantock
  • Golden, sandy beaches at Holywell Bay, Porth Joke and Crantock
  • Wildlife along the coast and on the dunes of Cubert Common
  • The historic Bowgie Inn at Crantock
  • Birdlife in the Gannel estuary

Considerations

  • Route includes paths close to unfenced cliff edges.

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Vital statistics

  • OS Explorer: 104
  • Distance: 6.9 miles/11.2 km
  • Steepness grade: Moderate
  • Bus: 85 from Newquay Bus station to Holywell Bay.
  • Recommended footwear: Waterproof boots
  • No stiles: ✓
  • Pub: ✓
  • Café: ✓

OS maps for this walk

Click or tap on map for more info (blue=laminated)

Pubs on or near the route

  • The Bowgie Inn
  • The Griffin Inn
  • The Towan Blystra
  • The Treguth Inn

either as a GPS-guided walk with our app (£3.29) or a PDF of directions (£2.79) Example of directions

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