The Esplanade Hotel Blog

A walk of contrasts, linking the pastoral tranquillity of Crantock with the coastal features of Newquay's vibrant shoreline, with two sandy beaches and many features to interest children. People have lived here since prehistoric times, and the walk visits many sites of historical interest on both sides of the River Gannel, which was once a bustling waterway but is now a peaceful saltmarsh, home to wading birds and salt loving plants. Check the tide times before you leave.

1. Start from the National Trust car park at Crantock Beach, take the path on your right through the dunes before you get to the beach and walk to the ferry landing point. If the tide is right out and it is safe to walk across, walk across to the ferry landing point at Fern Pit, which is visible across the riverbed. Otherwise take the ferry across, disembarking at the same place.
2. Take the steps uphill, past the cafe, turning left at the top on Riverside Crescent to walk to the car park on Pentire Point East.
3. Pick up the South West Coast Path to walk above Lewinnick Cove, carrying on behind Fistral Beach and above the rocks at the far end of the beach to Towan Head. Detour along the headland for spectacular sea views.
4. Staying on the Coast Path, continue above Hedge Cove and then Beacon Cove, taking the path alongside the road to the Huer’s Hut.
5. Take the path to the left to drop to the harbour, climbing North Quay Hill to the mini roundabout.
6. Take the second road to carry on in the same direction along Tower Road and then Higher Tower Road, to the Mount Wise roundabout.
7. At the roundabout turn right along Pentire Road, taking the first left beyond to go down Trethellan Hill, carrying on straight ahead at the bottom to follow the pathway to Penmere Drive. Cross the road to continue on the footpath ahead, coming out on Trevean Way. Take the next footpath straight ahead to walk across the green to the Gannel, to where the footbridge crosses to Penpol Creek.
8. If the tide is out and it is at least 3 hours before high tide, walk across to Penpol Creek. If the tide is in, you will need to cross at Fern Pit.
9. From Penpol Creek cross the head of the creek. Just before Crantock Cottages take the footpath on the left, signed to Crantock, going through the gate to join the South West Coast Path.
10. Follow the Coast Path along the National Trust Gannel Estuary Walk to Crantock Beach to return to the car park.

Note: It is dangerous to wade or swim in the Gannel: please take care and check tide times before you start. This walk depends upon being able to cross the Gannel both ways. If the tide is too high to walk across to Penpol on your return you will need to walk to Fern Pit to catch the ferry, and the walk description does not fully describe alternative routes.

At The Esplanade, we’re proud to support one of the UK’s most treasured walking routes – the South West Coast Path. As a Mile Maker, we’re pleased to say that our donation to the South West Coast Path is equivalent to maintaining a mile of path on the north coast of Cornwall – a stretch many of our guests know and love.