A stone’s throw from the coastal path: a circular walking route around Newquay

The coastal path has endless opportunities for discovery, leading you across miles of rugged coastline, expansive views, and secret coves. But let’s not forget the hubs of Cornwall, where there’s always action and plenty of sea vistas. Just a stone’s throw from Lewinnick Lodge and on the South West Coast Path, Newquay, the surfing capital of the UK, is famous for many things. Not only does the North Atlantic seaside town host some of the most popular surfing beaches in the South West; it also presents some unique historical landmarks, and natural beauty spots to add to your Cornwall bucket list. If you fancy ticking off a whole host of these spots, head to Lewinnick Lodge, where our journey begins.

1. From Lewinnick Lodge, walk along the track up to the main road, where you’ll find Pentire Headland Carpark. Turn left at the end of Lewinnick’s driveway, onto Esplanade Road, and take the coastal path that runs alongside.

You may wish to start your walk with a hearty lunch at Lewinnick Lodge to fuel the adventure ahead. Grab a seat overlooking the Atlantic and plan your route, making sure to take in every detail.

2. Follow the path alongside Esplanade Road, through the dunes behind Fistral Beach. Watch the surfers catch some waves or hire a board and catch a few yourself!

he western-facing Fistral Beach is famous for its rolling surf and sand dune backdrop. The name ‘Fistral’ is Cornish for “foul water, bile or gall”, which references the large waves and foaming waters that make the beach unsuitable for landing. If you’ve ever visited Fistral, you’ll most likely agree that the meaning of the name is not a fitting description (most of the time) for the golden sands and long stretch of coast that is ever popular with tourists and locals alike.

3. Once you reach Fistral Beach car park, continue to the roundabout, and take the path which runs up alongside the Fistral Beach complex (towards the Headland Hotel) this will bring you out onto the headland. Feel the exhilaration of the wind and listen out for the wild crashing of the waves against the rocks below

The headland has been a shelter for the town of Newquay for centuries. It is now a popular spot to take in the views of Fistral beach and beyond, as well as the wild wave otherwise known as The Cribbar – only visible in perfect conditions. Check the weather forecast and keep your eye out for a good south easterly offshore wind.

4. Follow the path and way markers towards Huer’s Hut.

As history tells it, during the 14th century, a monk took residence at a hut on the Headland and used a light to warn fishermen of the rocks below. A few centuries later, it was identified as a great post for a Huer’s Hut. A lookout was posted at the hut to keep an eye out for shoals of pilchards off the coast of the Headland. When a shoal was spotted, the Huer would shout ‘Havva! Havva!’ to guide the fishermen in the direction of pilchards. The fishermen often worked in groups of three to circle the shoal and catch the fish in a net.

5. Continue along the Coastal Path until you reach the harbour. Take a moment to watch the boats drifting in and out, and imagine the hustle and bustle of this harbour, as it would have been 200 years ago.

In the 15th century, a small fishing village occupied the area, known as ‘Towan Blystra’, which translates to ‘Wind-blown sand dunes’. In 1439, a new quay was built for the settlement, introducing the town’s current name, ‘Newquay’. This town became a busy port, where commodities such as china clay and ore were shipped from the harbour. However, it is no secret that one of Newquay’s most reliant trades was fishing. Fishermen caught pilchards inshore and processed them for Mediterranean countries who viewed them as a traditional delicacy. Today the harbour serves the purpose of both fishing and leisure, it’s the largest fishing port on the North Cornwall coast for the landing of Shellfish, landing more than 400 tonnes per year.

You might notice the gigs at the far end of the harbour, this is the home of Newquay’s Rowing Club. Their storage facilities alone are a point of interest. In the mid-19th century, Newquay harbour was so busy that a 100ft long tunnel, Treffrey Tunnel, was built to house trams that transported mined ore and coal in the height of the tin and copper mining industry.

6. Walk up on to North Quay Hill, taking a left onto Fore Street, and following along until you then take another left onto Bank Street.

Fore street and the surrounding areas house some popular coffee stops, surf shops, and other attractions to ponder as a mid-way break on your circular walk. Pick up a new t-shirt as a souvenir or support a local business with a coffee break.

From Bank Street, bear left as you reach East Street onto the South West Coast Path along the old tram tracks

The tram track was laid in 1849 and was part of the Treffery Mineral Tramway, which connected the train station to the harbour. It was used to carry coal and minerals in and out of the town. In 1873 the first passengers were carried into Newquay, the Treffery line can be accredited for the introduction of tourists to Newquay.

8. At the end of the tram tracks, take Cliff Road onto East Street, following through to Manor Road. When you reach the end of Manor Road, turn right, and then left onto Crantock Street.

9. Follow Crantock Street until you reach Atlantic Road on the edge of the golf course.

10. Take the path which takes a shortcut across the corner of the golf course and come out on Pentire Road.

11. Bear left and follow Pentire Avenue, all the way along until you return to Pentire Headland carpark.

Can you see Lewinnick Lodge jutting out over the headland?

12. Head back down the Lewinnick Lodge - back to the restaurant on the edge of the ocean.

Indulge in a hot chocolate or a warming coffee after the day’s explorations, or even settle down for a late lunch or wine-filled dinner – you deserve it after all the walking and sightseeing today.

Source: www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk