Incredible day hike from Newquay 🥾
Ascending from the bustling town of Newquay, the Newquay to Perranporth coastal path hike is glorious.
You’ll leave the hecticness of Cornwall’s premier coastal town behind and instead traverse some of its lesser-known bays, arriving at the broad sands of Perranporth.
This hike includes cliff paths, beaches and even an estuary crossing – there’s a bit you’ll need to know before tackling it, so here’s my full write up!
🗺️ Route overview & distance
The trail spans about 11 miles (17km) one way. That said, it is possible to shorten it by cutting off some of the headlands.
Most walkers complete this in 5–8 hours.
The route includes moderate climbs, coastal bridges and occasional exposed sections.
Step‑by‑step directions
1. Start at Newquay Harbour
The route officially starts at Newquay Harbour. From the harbour, head to North Quay Hill, joining the coast path as it heads towards Fistral Beach.
You could also head on the coast path past Huer’s Hut and then up to Towan Headland (past The Headland Hotel) before descending into Fistral Beach.
The tiny white Huer’s Hut is easy to miss – but historically important. The Huer watched over Newquay Bay and would call out to fishing crews when pilchards were spotted offshore.
2. Cross Fistral Beach
Follow the coastal path across the sandy stretch of Fistral Beach towards Pentire Headland. Technically the South West Coast Path spans the entire headland, walking up towards the end then looping back down, although you can take a shortcut across the cliff – I won’t tell anyone.
Just before reaching the Gannel, you’ll pass Crantock Beach – a stunning expanse backed by Rushy Green, a grassy plateau popular with picnickers and dog walkers.
3. River Gannel crossing
You’re then faced with the River Gannel. We planned our trip around low tide, meant we could use the tidal bridge that spans the river. There is also a summer ferry. Here are details of the summer ferry and here are up to date tide times for the river.
There are a few options here: wait for low tide and cross using one of the tidal footbridges, hop on the seasonal ferry, or detour inland via the main road through Trevemper if the tide’s in.
Look out for birds too – the Gannel estuary is a seasonal haven for ringed plover, greenshank, curlew, dunlin and teal, especially in winter.
4. Pass Pentire & Kelsey Head
After crossing, the path contours Pentire Point West and Kelsey Head, then skirts Holywell Bay.
The clifftops here are National Trust land, with sweeping views and seasonal wildflowers encouraged across the headland.
Just before Holywell, you’ll pass the narrow, hidden cove of Porth Joke. It’s often much quieter than the other beaches along this route.
5. Penhale Sands to Perranporth
You’ll walk across Penhale Sands, climb out onto cliffs and descend into Perranporth – or, at low tide, you can walk the entire way across the sand.
The dunes at Holywell are a rich habitat too, with hundreds of insect species – and if you’re lucky, you might even see dolphins offshore.
Further south, Penhale Point has remnants of Iron Age defences still visible. Views from here stretch as far as Godrevy and even St Ives on a clear day.
From Ligger Point, you’ll get your first long look across the two-mile golden stretch of Perran Beach.
The path ends at Droskyn Point, where there’s a natural rock arch and panoramic views of the beach below – also a great spot to watch surfers. Look out for the Millennium sundial just above the cliffs. It tells Cornish time, 20 minutes behind GMT.
Terrain & difficulty
The walk is moderate to challenging, with 313 metres of elevation gain.
Plus, coastal paths can feel narrow on cliff edges – so do watch your footing.
The Gannel estuary is the trickiest point – make sure you plan your trip around tides OR make use of the ferry.
Refreshments & toilets
There are plenty of places to stock up in Newquay before you start your hike. At Fistral, it’ll be pricier, but there are takeaway eateries if you forgot anything.
At Holywell, there are toilets and a pub – further back there’s a caravan park with a shop and café.
Once you reach Perranporth (the town!), there are multiple cafés, pubs and toilets near Esplanade and town centre.
Getting home
Return by bus 87 from Perranporth Beach Road back to Newquay. There are also taxis available, which will cost around ÂŁ20.
Planning tips & safety
- Check tide times for Gannel crossing – high tide may block footbridges.
- Dress in layers: think coast wind + changing weather!
- Take water and light snacks for on‑trail fuel.
- Wear sturdy boots – sandy beaches and rocky sections alternate.
- The 87 bus runs roughly every half‑hour.
