Summary

Linear walk along the coast path from Westdowns to Polzeath via Port Isaac. Wonderful cliff scenery, but a strenuous walk. For a shorter walk, start at Port Isaac.
Difficulty:
Strenuous
Distance:
14.9 miles (24 km)
Walking time:
07h 30m
Type:
Linear

Start location

Westdowns, nr crossroads (SX059828).

lat: 50.612249

lon: -4.7453027

Map

Elevation

Route

1 of 0

Getting there

Stagecoach bus service 584 from Wadebridge to Camelford via Polzeath Beach, Port Isaac and Westdowns (four journeys daily until the end of Oct; not Sundays/bank hols during winter timetable). First Great Western trains from London Paddington to Bodmin Parkway, bus to Wadebridge. Traveline: 0871 200 2233, www.travelinesw.com.

Waypoints

1

Take the bus from Polzeath to Westdowns, which is just before Delabole. Ask to alight at the turning on the L signed for Treligga. Walk along the lane ignoring the first L turn (a drive and footpath signed to the coastpath) and take the next L to Tregardock. From there continue along the path signed ‘To the coastpath’. Soon keep ahead where the path forks and carry on down to a four-way path junction where you join the route of the South West Coast Path, turning L.

2

Route-finding should be very straightforward from now on so you can enjoy the impressive cliff scenery without the need to study the map carefully. Beware, however, there are a number of steep valleys that have to be descended and ascended along this first section to Port Gaverne. (A walking pole or two is recommended!)

3

On reaching Port Gaverne you may well want to take a breather before the next climb uphill to Port Isaac and back down to the harbour there. As you continue up the lane on its west side you’ll pass Fern Cottage on the L, used as the surgery in Doc Martin. The next few miles to Port Quin take you round Varley and Kellan Heads and involve a lot of steps! But it’s a super stretch of coast. Viewers of ITV’s Doc Martin (with Martin Clunes) will be very familiar with the fishing village of Port Isaac on the North Cornwall coast, even if they’ve never been there! It’s a picturesque place indeed, so hardly surprising it was chosen as the location for the filming of the series. The seventh series is due to be shown in the autumn this year.

4

Port Quin inlet was once a busy little pilchard port, but it’s very peaceful today with just a few cottages. Carry on up the road the other side. Look out for a stile on your R which gets you back on to the cliffs - lower and gentler than the preceding section. On Doyden Point is a little 19th century folly castle, now a National Trust holiday let. Note the mine shafts nearby. Between Trevan and Carnweather Points are Epphaven Cove and Lundy Bay. (Look out for Lundy Hole – a few yards from the path on your R.) Rumps Point – which, together with The Mouls island, has been visible for much of the way – is a marvellous spot, especially for bird-watching. The earth ramparts of an Iron Age fort can be clearly seen.

5

Pentire Point is the next headland beyond Rumps Point, and a very fine viewpoint. It’s also notable for its plaque with the words in memory of the Fallen, which Laurence Binyon is said to have composed on the cliffs around here. Approaching Polzeath, if the tide is out, you can walk the last section on the beach.

Problem with this route?

If you encounter a problem on this walk, please let us know by emailing volunteersupport@ramblers.zendesk.com. If the issue is with a public path or access please also contact the local highways authority directly, or find out more about solving problems on public paths on our website.

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Sharing

Join the Ramblers and enjoy

  • unlimited free access to 50,000 Ramblers group walks
  • a library jam-packed with thousands of tried-and-tested routes
  • a welcome pack teeming with top tips plus our Walk magazine
  • exclusive discounts from our partners
  • knowing your support is opening up more places to walk and helping more people discover the joy of walking