Walk 162 Mawgan Porth to Constantine Bay (Cornwall)

Walk 162 Mawgan Porth to Constantine Bay (Cornwall)

(Third leg of English coastal walk – Lands End to Bristol)

Map: L/R 200

Distance: 9 miles or 14 km approx

Difficulty: Moderate

Terrain: coastal path and some road

Access: Parking at both ends.

Public transport: 56 bus goes between Mawgan Porth and Constantine Bay every 90 minutes or so.

Follow the path northwards out of Mawgan Porth past the sands of Trenance and on to Bedruthan Steps. These are a set of Granite stacks which have claimed many ships over the years. Bedruthan was a legendary giant fabled for using the steps as a causeway. (This story may have been invented by the Victorians).There are also remains of Redcliffe castle, an old Iron Age defence. Look out for Queen Bess Rock on the coast north of the steps. It is said to have the profile of Queen Elizabeth 1^st. Couldn't see it myself but then I'm useless with faces.

The walk continues around Park Head and on to Porthcothan. The land around here is protected because of the presence of rare birds so notices ask you to keep to the path. D H Lawrence was once a resident of Porthcothan.

Treyarnon Bay has a surfing beach but the tide can be very dangerous, it comes in quickly and, in some parts, can leave you cut off. Noticeable, are the great many cliff top benches dedicated to relatives and locals.

The walk finishes at Constantine Bay - it is a half mile walk or so into the village and buses/amenities. The area is named after St Constantine, a 6^th century Cornish saint. The sand dunes are crumbling due to the invasion of plants such as brambles and erosion caused by visitors and the weather. I have read that it was a popular holiday location of Margaret Thatcher and currently of David Cameron. I leave you to judge whether this makes it more or less attractive to visit!

Photos show: Bedruthan Steps; Constantine Bay beach.