Whipsiderry Beach - how to get there
By Car – Head out of town along the A3058 Henver Road, taking the B3276 at the double roundabout, sign-posted to Porth and Padstow. Follow the road down to the bottom of the hill through Porth and up the other side. At the top of the hill there is a bus stop and a very small parking area, pull in and park up. There is a set of very steep steps down to the beach.
By Bus – By bus it takes 12 minutes from the main bus station using the Western Greyhound route 556. The bus stop is at the top of Porth Hill.
By Foot – Whipsiderry beach is a 30 – 35 minute walk from the town centre. Follow the South West coastal path north out of the town along the Barrowfields, passed Lusty Glaze; continue on to Porth beach and head north up the steep hill on the way out to Watergate. At the top of the hill are the steps to Whipsiderry.
Dogs are allowed throughout the year at Whipsiderry Beach.
This walk takes about 40 minutes and is about 1.5 mile long across flat sand. It’s perfect for dog walking or with a family.
This beach is totally submerged at high tide, it is therefore extremely important that you only set out o this walk at low tide or on a dropping tide.
What you will find
Whipsderry Beach is situated at the northern end of Newquay, on the north side of Porth Island. The beach takes its name from the Whips and Derrick, which were important mining apparatus. The area was mined and at the bottom of the staircase there are old mining passageways that have been closed up now, but great clues to the areas past.
Access to the beach is dramatic and not for the faint hearted. The cliffs surrounding the beach are some of the tallest on the north coast. There are steps from the top of the cliffs, which descend at a very steep angle; they are also a little uneven so ensure you use the handrails, as you would not want to fail here! Once you arrive down on the beach itself you realise that although the access is difficult this helps in keeping the crowds away. It creates a sanctuary of peace and quiet with a series of stacks, giant rock pools, caves and amazing views.
At low tide the beach runs north about half a mile up to a rocky outcrop called the Lions Heads. Beyond this area is further expanse of sand that takes you up to Watergate Bay beach approximately another three quarters of a mile away. It is this additional area that catches people out with the tides. I would advise you that as a rule of thumb, if you are planning to walk and return to the steps at the bottom of Whipsiderry Cliffs you will have plenty of time if you use the Lions Heads as the furthest point of your walk. If you are walking to Watergate from Whipsiderry one way to be picked up or catch the bus back that’s fine. Don’t try to walk from the steps at Whipsiderry up to Watergate and back again, it is very dangerous to do this and can catch people out unless you really understand the tides, swell and weather.
1. Whipsiderry Beach
The beach is tidal which makes for a dramatic landscape. You can walk out to the island and see the gulley under the bridge to Porth Island.
2. The Stacks
There are impressive rock stacks to explore. The largest one is in the middle of the beach and has some very interesting features such as rock pools and caves at its base.
3. Rock pools
Whipsiderry has some amazing rock formations, which have made some striking rock pools such as this one under the rock stack. There are many rock features around the beach. Including the purple rocks to be found behind the Lions Heads.
4. Rock features.
The beach is fantastic for kids, with nooks and crannies at every turn, to explore and hide.
5. The Lions Heads
Whipsiderry beach looking north towards Watergate Bay in the distance you can see the two rock formations known as the Lions Heads. The sea has cut a passageway through one of the “heads”. If the tide is low enough you make your way through it, best during the summer as it usually has some water in it.
6. “Magic Beach”
Whipsiderry has something for everyone and because it is off the beaten track it has a very special feel about it. My kids have voted Whipsiderry “the best beach in Newquay”, they call it “Magic Beach”. Why not give it a try and see if you agree.
Although there are no facilities at Whipsiderry itself, there are nearby. There are toilets at the South end of Porth beach about 10 minutes walk. For refreshments, there is a pitch and putt café at the bottom of Porth Hill where you can buy ice creams and cold drinks. If you are looking for something a little more substantial try the Mermaid pub next to the bridge, great food and has a fantastic beer garden right next to the beach.
