Sunset Chasing in West Cornwall:
A Coastal Odyssey from Portreath to Hayle
It has been a while since our last blog post! Since March, we have been flat out on adventures with our students around Cornwall.
However, we finally have some time to rekindle our blog posts, and we are very pleased to introduce Megan who is working with us to share our Language Tree stories of language, culture and adventure.
We start this week, with one of Megan’s favourite coast walks. It’s perhaps a little longer than one of our Language Tree coast walks, but hopefully gives you a fantastic little glimpse of a little corner of the South West Coast Path
Portreath: Our Starting Point
At 3:30pm, a tranquil ambiance sets the stage for our captivating journey along the stunning Cornish coastline. The goal: a 12-mile walk from Portreath to Hayle, a quest designed to reach its crescendo with the sun’s descent at 8pm. As late August and September paint the horizon, this coastal odyssey guarantees an intimate rendezvous with the ever-shifting sea. Moreover, it offers an opportunity to indulge in a seafood feast or a hearty pub roast in Hayle, as twilight gradually claims the day.
Our expedition embarks from Portreath, a charming harbour village where the cries of seagulls intertwine with the inviting scent of the ocean. Following a path that winds along the cliff tops, the rhythm of crashing waves accompanies our steps. For a change of scenery, you can even begin your journey on the beach itself, starting from the carpark and ascending to the clifftop on the left-hand side of the beach. Here, the unmistakable South West Coast Path acorn signs guide you towards the North Cliffs, protected by the National Trust.
En route to the North Cliffs, a captivating array of wildlife captures your attention.
This area is under the watchful care of the local wildlife reserve, which tracks creatures ranging from shrews and field mice to sea birds and even the elusive adder – one of the UK’s few venomous snakes. Guided by the trail’s twists and turns, the journey unfolds over heather-strewn coastlands adorned with shades of purple and gold. Against the backdrop of the sun’s fading rays, sea birds take flight across the sky. Whenever, I am on these walks, my mind drifts over all the people that have walked this land and in particular the daring, dangerous lives of the many smugglers and pirates that used these coves.
The path swiftly leads to Basset’s Cove and Red Head Cove – bet there was once pirates hiding down there!
Continuing onward you’ll encounter one of Cornwall’s most dramatic coastal marvels – Hells Mouth.
True to its name, the cove drops 300 feet below, a spectacle not for the faint of heart. While exercising caution near the edge is vital, the panoramic view justifies a brief pause. This is also the perfect spot to grab a slice of cake or a refreshing drink at Hells Mouth Coffee House, a lovely spot just opposite the mighty cliff-drop!
As you move ahead from Hells Mouth, Godrevy Lighthouse emerges on the horizon. Keep watch for seals, as this location is among their cherished haunts in the county. In fact, treat Godrevy Point as your next milestone. It stands as a scenic wonder amid the coastal trail.
Your descent leads you to Godrevy Beach, a segment where the trail levels out. You’ll traverse St Gothian Sands, a captivating natural reserve that doubles as a haven for bird enthusiasts. And for those who like a coffee stop (like us), we can never walk past the wonderful Godrevy Café.
The remainder of the walk waltzes along Hayle’s famed ‘Three Miles of Golden Sands,’ encompassing Gwithian, Uptown Towans, and Mexico Towans Beaches. These sandy gems promise a refreshing swim, accompanied by stunning towans and abundant wildlife. The journey culminates at Hayle Beach, where the true celebration begins – the time has come to reward your 12-mile endeavour with a sumptuous dinner.
Enter The Bluff, an exceptional choice for classic pub fare, alternatively, near Hayle Harbour, the Black Lobster stands ready with its fresh local seafood, shellfish, and delectable tacos.
If you like the sound of this adventure, we hope you might consider joining us on one of our English language excursions. Engage in conversation, learn new vocabulary and idioms, all while basking in Cornwall’s natural wonder during our Language Experiences. [click on the link to visit our website to learn more]
Happy Hiking!
– Megan, from Language Tree