Walks in Newquay - Crantock Beach
How to get there
By Car – Follow the signs through the town to Redruth on the A392, then pick up the A3075 south out of town. Roughly a mile or so out of town you will see sign posts to Crantock Head. For Crantock village, take a right in the village and follow the signs down to the Beach. There is a National Trust car park at the beach, which car costs £4 from May to October but is free if you are a member of the NT.
By Bus – Take the Western Greyhound route 585 from the centre of Newquay to Truro which stops in Crantock village. Follow the signs to the beach.
By Foot – You can walk to Crantock Beach from the centre of Newquay which takes 30 – 40 minutes depending on where you are staying. Head out of town, using the footpaths to the Gannel - at low tide you can cross the river via a foot bridge at the bottom of Trehellen Hill. Better still is to catch the bus to Pentire head and walk to the Fern Pit café where there is a Ferry at high tide and a bridge at low tide during the summer months.
Dogs are allowed throughout the year at Crantock.
This walk takes about 40 – 45 minutes and is about 2 miles long across flat sand. It’s perfect for dog walking or with a family.
What you will find
Crantock Beach is situated at the southern end of Newquay, at the estuary of the River Gannel. The river is tidal and is incredibility dangerous at key points of the tide and should not be bathed in. There are bathing areas in the middle of the beach.
The beach is beautiful, with a large expanse of sand, huge sand dunes and is still fairly undeveloped.
At the far end of the beach is the Bowgie Inn, well worth a visit for the amazing views and large menu. Dogs are welcome here and there is a small children’s play area. The views of Pentire Headland, “Goose Rock” and its “Chick”, a small island next to it . The village of Crantock is a short walk from the beach and boasts two great pubs and a small shop. Although a very picturesque village, parking is dificult.
1. Crantock Beach
Start at the beach car park and head up the sand dune, at the top of the dune you will have a fantastic view of Crantock beach laid out in front of you. Head down on to the beach and along the river.
2. The Gannel River
The river floods the beach on big spring tides but most of the time the beach is accessible on all tides.
3. The Dunes
The beach is fantastic for kids, with giant sand dunes to slide down and explore, these dunes run the length of the beach.
4. The Bowgie Inn
As you follow the beach around and you will see a pink building in the distance. This is the Bowgie Inn, a well known watering hotel that has great views. There is a footpath up from the beach at low tide to the Crantock Bay Hotel and the Bowgie Inn. If you do stop in for a drink or lunch, remember that the tide moves quickly on such a large beach.
5. The Caves.
As you approach the south end of the beach you will see the entrance to a series of very interesting caves known as “Pipers Hole”. They are great fun to explore.
6. Writing on the wall
One of the caves has a mysterious inscription engraved – nobody knows it’s history. The inscription reads –
“Mar not my face but let me be
Secure in this lone cavern by the sea
Let the wild waves around me roar
Kissing my lips for evermore"
It is rumored that the inscription was cut during the 2nd World War.
