The area around Newquay has some of the most beautiful coastline in England. There are several areas of interest:
With Virtual NewquayNewquay's Finest hope to provide our visitors a with a clearer vision of Newquay. Not only can you take a virtual tour of the coastline surrounding Newquay, but you can visit shops and businesses on your way!
This walk charts the growth, struggles and endeavors of one of the world's premier seaside resorts,. From its origins as an ancient port to a haven for the ever increasing herds of surfers that visit from all over the World. The trails allows you to view a colourful tapestry of fact and fiction.
Outlining the trail are 14 discs carved from cornish slate with words chiseled by Peter Martin containing clues to Newquays rich heritage.
Gannel Estuary
The Estuary has something of interest to everybody, from the beautiful salt marsh plants to the mystery of the Gannel Crake. It provides for a huge number of differnt plants, animals and birds. There are several spots of interest along the way, Reeds Boatyard, in the 1800's you'd expect to see up ships of up to 250 tonnes built there, today smaller boats are still repaired and rebuilt there. Also Penpol Creek, once know as the Port of Truro, is a beautiful tree lined valley well worth a visit. The Fern Pit Ferry Point nearer the beach has a quint shop where local produce can be bought.
The Gannel Crake - A name given to a terrible sound heard numerous times on the Gannel many years ago. Some say it is the call of a vixen (fox) or perhaps an unusaual bird while others say it is the cry of a tormented soul. A man who heard it in the 1800's said 'it was like nothing on earth, like a thousand voices pent up in misery, with one long wait dying away in the distance.' Who knows what this strange phenomenon could be?
Pentire Headland
Walking along Pentire Headland you will be stunned by panoramic views from Crantock all the way round to Fistral. There are various benches placed around the headland to give you time to take in the scenery. Seals can often be spotted if you keep your eyes open you may get lucky and spot one! As you reach the most western point you will see Goose rocks, a group of islands about a mile out to sea, when the surf is big here it is invigorating to watch.
Towan Head
This remote headland is home to the famous big-wave spot names The Cribbar. A walk around this headland will give you stunning panoramic views down the coastline towards St Ives to the South and up to Trevose Head lighthouse to the North. Agin if you keep an eye out theres a high chance of seeing seals here, especially on the North facing side.
Porth Island
This walk has some really interesting features such as the famous blowholes that can be seen on both sides, on the right day, when the surf is big enough, huge plumes of water are showered into the sky, its a really excilerating feeling to be close to such a raw force. Again wildlife is abundant in this area, with gulls and other birds nesting on the towering cliffs above Whipsiderry Beach, to the wading birds on the Beach at Porth.
Further up the valley you'll find Porth Resevoir. There are various footpaths and trails to enjoy at Porth Resevoir. The nature trail and the waters edge path, both of which offer you a great chance to discover more about the wildlife at Porth. A stunning spot to take a picnic, but please try to take home your litter and leave the place as for others to enjoy.
At the end of the resevoir you will find Colan woods, a beautiful woodland, once where a settlement existed you'll now find an old village entagnled in vines, some say it has a mystical.. maybe haunted story for the reason the people left... or dissapeared?!
Coastal Path
The Coastal Path includes all of the above, and extends the full length of the Cornish coastline from. At 630 miles (1014 km) long, the South West Coast Path is Britain's longest national trail, running from Minehead in Somerset, along the coasts of Devon and Cornwall, to Poole in Dorset.
