Circular walk from Trebarwith Valley to Backways Cove and Trebarwith Strand

Trebarwith Valley to Backways Cove

A circular walk in Trebarwith Valley to beaches and the coastal slate quarries of Backways Cove and Trebarwith Strand, and Dennis Point, overlooking the bay and point opposite where the ships moored to be loaded with roofing slates which were also brought down the valley on a road covered with beach sand to stop the horses being flattened by runaway carts.

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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 route starts from Jeffrey's Pit and climbs with views over Trebarwith Valley until it reaches Trebarwith village. From here, there is a gentle descent through the fields to Backways Cove, sculpted by Victorian quarrymen hanging on ropes above the Atlantic breakers. The route follows paths remaining from the quarry tramways to ascend Dennis Point, followed by a steep descent with spectacular views of Trebarwith Strand to reach the Port William Inn. From Trebarwith Strand, the route climbs back up Trebarwith Valley to Treknow and Trewarmett.

Highlights

  • Splendid views across Trebarwith Valley from Fentafriddle
  • Wildflowers and wildlife at Backways Cove
  • Panoramic views over Trebarwith Strand and Port Isaac Bay from Dennis Point
  • Sand, surf and rock pools on Trebarwith Strand
  • Forage for blackberries and parasol mushrooms in late summer and early autumn, and sloes in autumn and early winter
  • Bizarre sea foam tornadoes during winter storms at Backways Cove
  • Fantastic views of Trebarwith Strand from the Port William Inn

Considerations

  • The track between the fields near Trebarwith Farm can be slippery as a spring runs along part of it.
  • Route includes paths close to unfenced cliff edges.

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Vital statistics

  • OS Explorer: 111
  • Distance: 4 miles/6.4 km
  • Steepness grade: Moderate-strenuous
  • 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 Port William 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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