During our stay in beautiful Carbis Bay, we ventured on a bit of a walk. Instead of taking the trail down to St Ives, we turned right from our penthouse at Hawkes Point, towards Porthkidney Beach. Setting out to burn off the traditional Cornish pasties and cream tea from earlier on, we wanted a decent trail with lovely views. Luckily enough, we found exactly just that along Porthkidney Beach.
The South West Coast Path
First off, you’ll walk through a stretch of country trail for around twenty minutes or so between Carbis Bay and Porthkidney Beach. This walk is also known as the South West Coast Path, rather appropriately. It’s very scenic, and you even pass the house of late iconic artist and sculptor Barbara Hepworth en route. You’ll want to keep stopping off on your way to enjoy the views. It’s certainly a place I wouldn’t mind owning a house one day.
Porthkidney Beach itself is around a mile long, and at low tide, the sea goes extremely far out, leaving plenty of sandy beach. At low tide, you can walk to the beach from Carbis Bay. It’s a wonderful glimpse to the Atlantic Ocean as you turn the corner from the hedgerow trail.
Porthkidney Beach
The further you walk, you’ll soon turn the bend parallel with the beach. You’ll spot the West Cornwall Golf Club with its scenic backdrop, as well as the scenic railway tracks. The coastal view of Porthkidney Beach here high upon the cliff is super impressive, and offers some of the best scenery in the area. You’ll even be able to see all the way across to the beach’s sand dunes.
Towards the northern end of Porthkidney Beach, you’ll find the occasional surf spot of Hawk’s Point. This is very dependent on the swell, but can offer excellent surfing conditions. Swimming isn’t usually advised due to the tide, and lifeguard presence is only throughout the summer months. It was voted excellent water quality in the Marine Conversation Society Good Beach Guide, so you can rest assured it’s a great beach.
Who knew Britain has waters of such beautiful colours. I’m certainly glad I know now. The fact it was autumn meant some gorgeous colours en route. My favourite beaches are all pretty much deserted. I can’t stand beaches packed to the rafters with people, so this was a perfect beach in my eyes. All we needed was a little more sun.
St Ives, Cornwall
Before we continued on towards the Cornish town of Lelant, we turned around having enjoyed some wonderful views. After heading back to the apartment for a quick bite to eat – scones, naturally – we headed back out to St. Ives for a little evening explore, for dinner, and to pick up some other bits and bobs.
It’s so peaceful simply watching the boats bob up and down in the dock.
After watching the pretty sun begin to settle over the little fishing village, we headed back home.
Here, we found my brother pretty content in his Hugh Hefner-style gown and tumbler.
Lucky for us, the sunset was still creating beautiful colours and patterns across the sky towards St Ives. Of course – the only was to enjoy it was with a glass of wine sat on our scenic balcony.
The perfect end to another fabulous day down in Cornwall.
I love Porthkidney Beach, but where are your favourite beaches in Cornwall? Let me know in the comments below.
