Porthallow to Gillan circular walk

Porthallow to Gillan

The bridge just after direction 10 is missing, awaiting a replacement. The signposted temporarary SWCP detour to bypass it departs from the coast at direction 5. The coast path is also closed between 13-14 (there is a detour from 13-15). Together these mean that little of the coast path along this stretch is currently walkable.

A circular walk up Gillan Creek from Porthallow via Nare Point where, during World War II, an elaborate decoy for Falmouth Harbour was created by Ealing Film Studios with fake railways, houses and explosive special effects.

Get the app to guide you around the walk

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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 follows the coast from Porthallow to Nare Point on the mouth of the Helford River, and then follows Gillan Creek to the beaches of Gillan and Flushing. From Gillan Beach, the walk joins bridleways and small lanes to Treglossick and then a final footpath through the woods and fields completes the circular route to Porthallow.

Highlights

  • Views along the coast and across Gillan Creek
  • Wildflowers throughout the spring and early summer including bluebells and foxgloves
  • Sandy beach at Porthallow at low tide

Considerations

  • Note that most coastal walks in Cornwall have paths close to unfenced cliffs.

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Vital statistics

  • OS Explorer: 103
  • Distance: 4.4 miles/7.1 km
  • Steepness grade: Moderate
  • Recommended footwear: Walking boots
  • Pub: ✓
  • Café: ✓

OS maps for this walk

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

Pubs on or near the route

  • The Five Pilchards Inn

Adjoining walks

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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