Highlight • Viewpoint
St Agnes Beacon
Hiking
5.0
(100)
Mountain biking
5.0
(11)
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Tips
November 9, 2022
Hiking
SH Burton described it beautifully in 1952; 'The view from St Agnes Beacon is breath-taking. The high moorlands, heather and gorse clad; steep valleys and bubbling streams; the bracing winds and the infinite variety of land and seascape...' Or even better, F W L Stockdale called it ‘a remarkable stupendous mountain’ back in 1824.
August 8, 2021
Mountain biking
July 31, 2022
Mountain biking
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Nearby routes
Best routes near St Agnes Beacon
4.9
(68)
286
hikers
10.8km
03:03
240m
240m
Hike the St Agnes Beacon & North Cliff loop for 6.7 miles (10.8 km) of moderate terrain, featuring coastal views and historic tin mines.
4.8
(23)
76
hikers
Embark on an easy 3.9-mile (6.2 km) hike around St Agnes Head, Wheal Coates, and Chapel Porth Beach, gaining 537 feet (164 metres) in elevation over approximately 1 hour and 48 minutes. This loop offers a diverse experience, with natural paths, gravel, and paved sections leading you through vibrant blue seascapes, purple and yellow heathland, and green pastures. You will pass the iconic Wheal Coates mine buildings, which dramatically tumble down the cliffside, and enjoy the beauty of Chapel Porth Beach, considered one of Cornwall's best.
While the overall difficulty is easy, be prepared for varied terrain, including some steep inclines, particularly when ascending to St Agnes Beacon or descending towards Chapel Porth. Some parts of the route along the cliffs can be rugged and require sure-footedness, though nothing is excessively steep or prolonged. The path through Chapel Combe leads beside a stream, an area rich with disused mine shafts. For the best experience, consider visiting in summer when St Agnes Head is adorned with numerous wildflowers, or in springtime when the heath and grasslands bloom.
This trail is particularly notable for its rich historical significance, encompassing the iconic Wheal Coates tin mine, a World Heritage Site with engine houses dating back to the 1870s. You will also enjoy spectacular 360-degree panoramic views of the North Cornwall coast from St Agnes Beacon, stretching from St Ives to Trevose Head on clear days. The route follows a significant portion of the South West Coast Path, offering breathtaking cliff-edge walks and views of hidden coves, all steeped in local folklore, including the legend of Giant Bolster.
4.8
(12)
51
hikers
7.95km
02:17
200m
200m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Details
Informations
Elevation 180 m
Weather
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Monday 8 June
15°C
10°C
13 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 24.0 km/h
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