GPS Cycle and Walking Routes

Mawgan Porth to Bedruthan Steps Walk

3 miles (5.5 km)

A coastal walk from the beach at Mawgan Porth to the Bedruthan Steps in Cornwall. It's just under 2 miles from the beach to the steps so just under 4 miles there and back.
The walk starts from the car park at Mawgan Porth where you can pick up the South West Coast Path and follow it north. The trail runs along the beach passing Trenance Point and Carnewas Island before coming to the steps. Here you'll find a series of large rocks along the beach and great views towards Carnewas Island and Trescore Islands. The area is also covered with attractive wildflowers which attract a variety of butterflies and birds. Depending on the tides you can follow a staircase down to a secluded beach next to the rocks.
If you continue north you can visit Porthcothan where there's a picturesque cove, a lovely sandy beach, some splendid rock formations and lush grassy dunes

Postcode

TR8 4BA - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locations

Mawgan Porth to Bedruthan Steps Walk OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Mawgan Porth to Bedruthan Steps Walk Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

The beachside Merrymoor Inn in Mawgan Porth is a good choice for some post walk refreshments. There's a good menu and great sea views from the garden area. It's a lovely place to relax if the weather is good.

Dog Walking

The coastal path and the beaches are great for dog walking and the Merrymoor Inn mentioned above is also very dog friendly.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

To continue your walking in the area head south on the Mawgan Porth to Watergate Bay Walk. This will take you to a splendid long beach just outside the popular tourist town of Newquay.

Photos

Beach at Mawgan Porth - geograph.org.uk - 562561

Beach at Mawgan Porth Here the stream fans out across the beach with Berryl's Point ahead.

Mawgan-in-Pydar, Mawgan Porth - geograph.org.uk - 86784

Mawgan-in-Pydar: Mawgan Porth. Seen from the South West Coast Path near Trenance Point. Taken in September 1999

Sea front at Mawgan Porth - geograph.org.uk - 1432762

Sea front at Mawgan Porth Two types of British sustenance – fish and chips and beer. The larger building is the Merrymoor Inn and the bridge in the foreground crosses the River Menathyl.

Pasture at Mawgan Porth - geograph.org.uk - 1432777

Pasture at Mawgan Porth. Looking up the Vale of Mawgan or Lanherne.

Mawgan Porth beach - geograph.org.uk - 1432759

The River Menathyl flows out into the Celtic Sea at Mawgan Porth. There is an extensive sandy beach here at low tide but, although the bay is fairly sheltered by the surrounding headlands, the danger of rip tides is ever present. Eleven swimmers, including several children' were rescued by Lifeguards as they were being swept out to sea 2 hours before this photo was taken.

Queen Bess Rock, Bedruthan Steps - geograph.org.uk - 54649

Queen Bess Rock, Bedruthan Steps. Off with her head! Until a few years ago this rock had a prominent "head" on the slender neck, but it succumbed to the waves in rough weather and fell off. The isolated pillars on this beach are volcanic rock, the cliffs behind are softer sandstone.

Bedruthan steps - geograph.org.uk - 1407815

View of Bedruthan steps at high tide, Redcove island in centre of picture. Park head in the distance.

Cliff at Trerathick Cove, near Bedruthan Steps - geograph.org.uk - 50419

Cliff at Trerathick Cove, near Bedruthan Steps. This cliff with deformed strata is just south of Bedruthan Steps. The rocks in this area are mainly Lower Old Red Sandstone. The isolated rocks of Bedruthan Steps are volcanic.

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Magwan Porth to Bedruthan Steps Walk.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>'Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Share>Save to Files')

Memory Map Route

Magwan Porth to Bedruthan Steps Walk.mmo (On Desktop:Right Click>'Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold >Share>Save to Files)