Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Get the App

Porthtowan Beach

Porthtowan Beach

Highlight • Beach

Porthtowan Beach

Hiking

5.0

(43)

Running

5.0

(4)

Cycling

5.0

(1)

Save

Location: St. Agnes, South West England, England, United Kingdom

Save

See nearby routes

Take Me There

Tips

Stephen Brooks

August 5, 2025

Running

Lovely beach for surfing and bodyboarding. Lifeguard is patrolling the beach from 10-6. There’s a surf shop where you can hire wetsuits and boards (they also do surf lessons). A small beach shop, pub and bar are also here. If you have a doggo then your woofer can only go on the beach in the morning until 10am and then in the evening after 6pm.

Natalie

October 10, 2023

Hiking

A small, but dramatic beach famous for its backdrop of huge cliffs and brilliant surf. There is a surf school and a beach cafe if you have time to stay a little longer. Or why not explore the rockpools at low tide.

In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!

Nearby routes

Best routes near Porthtowan Beach

4.7

(12)

hikers

#1.

South West Coast Path: Portreath and Porthtowan Circular

13.0km

03:41

260m

Embark on the South West Coast Path: Portreath and Porthtowan Circular, a moderate hike spanning 8.1 miles (13.0 km) with an elevation gain of 845 feet (258 metres). This route typically takes around 3 hours and 41 minutes to complete. As you follow the rugged coastline, you will experience dramatic cliff-top views and the expansive azure sea, connecting the sandy beaches of Portreath and Porthtowan. Keep an eye out for the historic engine houses, remnants of Cornwall's rich mining past, dotting the landscape.

Both Portreath and Porthtowan serve as excellent starting points, offering convenient amenities for your visit. You will find car parking, bus stops, and public toilets available in both villages. Cafes are also present, perfect for a pre-hike coffee or a post-hike treat. Be prepared for significant ascents and descents along the trail; a good level of fitness is recommended, and walking poles can provide extra support on steeper sections.

This section of the South West Coast Path showcases the unique blend of natural beauty and industrial heritage that defines Cornwall. Beyond the stunning coastal vistas, you will encounter the historical significance of the region's mining industry, visible in the old engine houses that stand as silent sentinels. In spring, the cliffs above Portreath burst into a vibrant display of wildflowers, adding another layer of beauty to this memorable coastal journey.

Navigate with device

Send to Phone

Save

Moderate

4.6

(19)

132

hikers

#2.

St Agnes Head – Wheal Coates Tin Mine loop from Porthtowan

25.6km

07:25

600m

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

Navigate with device

Send to Phone

Save

Hard

4.6

(8)

hikers

#3.