Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked by Global Adventurer.
The walk
From the National Trust car park at Porth Farm the walk follows the creek and the Percuil river west, past Place and its church, opposite St Mawes. It rounds Carricknath Point and the Molunan beaches to St Anthony Head, where a lighthouse guards the entrance to Falmouth harbour and an old battery stands on the headland. The coast path then runs north-east along the cliffs past Porthbeor beach to Towan beach and back to Porth Farm.
It is 8.9 km with 222 m of ascent; allow about 3 hours. The grade is Easy. The paths are good, with some steps.
The cliff edges are unfenced, and the steps near the Molunan beaches are steep and uneven. There is one awkward stile with stone footholds. Cattle graze the headland fields; the National Trust asks for dogs on short leads on the headland. The paths are muddy after long wet spells.
The car park at Porth Farm is a National Trust pay car park, free to members. There is no station near.
Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.
Good to know
- Along the Percuil river past Place and its church
- Round the coast past the Molunan beaches to St Anthony Head and its lighthouse
- Past the old battery and back by Porthbeor and Towan beaches
- Cattle graze the headland fields
Getting there
Start: Porth Farm car park · Pay and display. 50.15847, -4.98682
Places to stay nearby
Rooms in and around Cornwall: Booking.com → Expedia →
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Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line and figures come from OpenStreetMap and our own checks; take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.