Porth is a beautiful beach, nestled at the North end of Newquay bay. It is a deep finger of sand surrounded by steep cliffs. To the north of the beach Porth river runs along the headland and meets the sea. The northern side of the beach is protected by Porth Island, the site of an Iron Age settlement, much of the layout of which can still be seen today.
Porth beach is a 30 minute walk from the town centre. Follow the South West coastal path north out of the town along the Barrowfields, past Lusty Glaze and out to Porth . By bus it takes 10 minutes from the main bus station using the Western Greyhound route 556. By car, head out of town along the A3058 Henver Road, taking the B3276 at the double roundabout, sign-posted to Porth and Padstow. At the bottom of the hill take the left fork, which is the beach road and will take you to acar park that is made up of hard pact sand directly on the beach.
There is a dog ban that runs from Easter Sunday until 1 October. The beach itself is a fantastic beach for families, being sheltered during mid to high tide from big waves. Having a shallow bottom, it is safer for swimming than most local beaches. At low tide be very cautious of the rip currents where the river meets the sea, even on flat days DO NOT swim here at any stage of the tide. Always swim in between the red and yellow flags or the left hand side of the beach away from the river if the lifeguards are not on duty.
Porth is one of the real gems of the North Coast for its relatively easy walking, stunning views and numerous points of interest. It can be visited at any point of the tide as long as it’s not a super high Spring tide, a storm destroyed part of the Pub wall last year during a high tide!
1. Porth is perfect for exploring at low tide
The best time to visit is low tide. The caves and rock pools are exposed and make for a wonderful exploration of the coast ,especially if you are taking children with you. Start at the car park if you have walked or driven or the Mermaid pub if you have come by bus. Head down towards the low tide mark keeping the cliffs on the left hand side closest to you. As you get towards the low tide mark you will notice the steps up to the Glendoral Hotel - a wonderful place for a hot chocolate or beer after your walk.
Once pass the little cove at the Glendorgal, look out for the small arch of rock covering a rockpool – it’s quite beautiful. Depending on the height of the tide, you can see some amazing rock pools along this stretch of rocks. Now it’s time to cut across the beach and wade across the river (it’s about ankle deep unless there has been a lot of rain). Walk along until you see the wooden bridge that takes you across from the headland to Porth Island which will be above you from where you are standing.
2. The Bridge to Porth Island.
here is a great little detour to take before you head up to the bridge. If you scramble over the rocks and down into the gulley under the bridge you will see a pathway cut into the rock which you need to climb on to and walk along.
3.The rock pathway from Porth to Whipsiderry
This pathway takes you 20 yards under the bridge and out onto the other side of the bridge to another very secluded beach called Whipsiderry. Right in front is the view of a rock “Stack”, which if you look closely has a hole through the middle of it .
It is important that you only try this detour at low tide, when it is perfectly safe. Do not attempt this if the tide is coming in or if there is a big swell running. This gully has been created by the sea which is why it is stunning to look at but also potentially dangerous if caught at the wrong time of the tide. If in doubt check with the lifeguards at Porth before you attempt it. The lifeguard at is situated at the council car park on Porth beach.
Returning under the bridge go back over the rocks and turn to your left you will see an amazing cave that literally looks like a keyhole. Worth taking a look inside, also a great place to hide from a passing shower!
4.The Keyhole Cave
At this point there is a gentle slope across some rocks that takes you up to the headland and the bridge to the island and the Stone Age village. Look for the lifeguard throw line housing it marks the best place to get on to the headand.
5. The Ramparts
At this point you are standing at the bridge looking at the impressive remains of the Stone Age settlement ramparts.
There are up to 4 sets of ramparts and at the top of the Island is where the settlement itself was situated.
At the top of the headland there are amazing views North towards Padstow and South of Newquay Bay and Towan Head.
6. Views North towards Padstow
7. Views South of Newquay Bay and Towan Head
At the very end of the Headland between the two sets of rocks that you can see in this picture, is the most amazing natural feature of Porth Island – the Blow Hole. At mid tide you can see huge plumes of spray being pushed up over the island. This is caused by the big swells pushing through a tunnel running from the very northern point of the headland and out to the south side of the headland.
