Porthcothan to Watergate Bay coastal walk via Bedruthan Steps and Mawgan Porth

Porthcothan, Bedruthan Steps and Watergate Bay (via bus)

A (bus-assisted) one-way walk along the coast with spectacular wildflowers and one of Cornwall's most photographed views over the volcanic rock stacks of Bedruthan Steps, which Victorians liked to think of as a giant's stepping stones.

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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 (£3.39) or a PDF of directions (£2.79) Example of directions

A (bus-assisted) one-way walk along the coast with spectacular wildflowers and one of Cornwall's most photographed views over the volcanic rock stacks of Bedruthan Steps, which Victorians liked to think of as a giant's stepping stones.

Highlights

  • Spectacular coastal scenery
  • Easily accessible sandy beaches at Porthcothan and Mawgan Porth
  • Tidal sandy beaches at Pentire Steps and Bedruthan Steps
  • Rockpools at low tide at Porth Mear
  • Rich bird life including kestrels, skylarks and seabirds
  • Beautiful displays of thrift flowers in late spring
  • Option to cut down to a 4.4 mile walk by parking and catching the bus from Mawgan Porth instead of Watergate Bay

Considerations

  • Route includes paths close to unfenced cliff edges.

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Vital statistics

  • OS Explorer: 106
  • Distance: 6.8 miles/11.0 km
  • Steepness grade: Moderate-strenuous
  • Bus: 56 from Watergate Bay to Porthcothan.
  • Recommended footwear: walking boots, or shoes in summer
  • No stiles: ✓
  • Pub: ✓
  • Café: ✓

Location

Map showing the location of this walk

Pubs on or near the route

  • The Merrymoor Inn

either as a GPS-guided walk with our app (£3.39) or a PDF of directions (£2.79)