Crackington Haven beach - circular walks

Crackington Haven beach

The beach at Crackington Haven, Cornwall

Until the nineteenth century, Crackington Haven was a small port, importing limestone and coal and exporting local produce such as slate. When the railways reached the district in 1893, the beach could be reached more easily (from Otterham Station) and became popular with holidaymakers.

As the tide falls, the pebble beach gives way to a large sandy beach. It is west-facing and consequently quite popular for surfing when the tide is out, but care must be taken of the rocks on either side. The rocky ridges along the left side of the beach trap seawater, forming rockpools which support a range of shore life.

Walks visiting Crackington Haven beach

  • 2.9 miles/4.6 km - Moderate-strenuous

    Crackington Haven to St Genny's Church

    Cambeak

    Crackington Haven to St Genny's Church

    2.9 miles/4.6 km - Moderate-strenuous

    A circular walk from the surf beach at Crackington Haven to the mediaeval church at St Genny's via the imposing Penkenna Point, where there are spectacular views of the bay and the secluded landing points used by some of North Cornwall's most notorious smugglers and wreckers.

  • 4.3 miles/6.9 km - Moderate-strenuous

    Crackington Haven to The Strangles

    Coastline at Crackington Haven

    Crackington Haven to The Strangles

    4.3 miles/6.9 km - Moderate-strenuous

    A circular walk from Crackington Haven, with panoramic views of the Shipwreck Coast, to the long, sandy Strangles beach, returning through bluebell woodland along the Ludon river valley.

  • 6.4 miles/10.3 km - Strenuous

    Crackington Haven to Widemouth (via bus)

    Sunset at Widemouth

    Crackington Haven to Widemouth (via bus)

    6.4 miles/10.3 km - Strenuous

    A one-way coastal walk, made circular via an initial bus journey, along the Shipwreck Coast from Crackington Haven to Widemouth Bay passing the bluebell woodland of ancient twisted oaks at The Dizzard, chevron folded rocks and honeycomb reefs of Millook Haven and fossil beds of Wanson Mouth.

  • 7 miles/11.2 km - Strenuous

    Crackington Haven to Boscastle (via bus)

    Northern Door on Strangles Beach

    Crackington Haven to Boscastle (via bus)

    7 miles/11.2 km - Strenuous

    A one-way coastal walk, made circular via an initial bus journey, along the Shipwreck Coast from Crackington Haven to Boscastle passing the highest cliff in Cornwall and the long, sandy beach at The Strangles.

Download the iWalk Cornwall app and use the QR scanner within the app to find out more about any of the walks above.