Bassett Cove to Portreath

Of the 630 miles of the long-distance Southwest Coast Path (SWCP), this is a small section that offers both cliff-top walking and some of the undulations the SWCP has, especially in Cornwall. At Portreath, a small seaside town, the SWCP continues onwards. Bassett Cove also offers an option for a more sedate walk along North Cliff, Southwest of the parking area.

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 4.55 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 20 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 713 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 772 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 138 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 35 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Start: This walk begins at Bassett Cove car park, a free National Trust parking area, Camborne TR14 0HE - W3W- surveyed.users.leafing.

(S/E) This route is along the cliff top, a coastal path. The route was tracked via the app, and variations due to satellite reception and tracking variables need to be factored in; STAY ON THE PATH. At Bassett Cove, head in a northeasterly direction, to the corner of a field, (Note: at the corner, and over the hedge, see a pond - Mirrose Well). Bear left following the hedge, see a wooden barrier, and to the right, on the path, and up and through the hedge.

(1) Following the clearly defined path to the first valley.

(2) Standing at the top and seeing the opposite side, there are some steps cut into the slope to assist, but as it is evident, some have worn away, and many more 'alternate' paths have formed (This route followed a defined 'used' path), to a vantage point for views and way down. Follow the path, up the other side, and to the next valley.

(3) At the top, again, look ahead and see the designated path, as it winds its way down and up the opposite side. Proceed along the path down to the footbridge, crossing, and up the track to the top. Continue following the designated path, and the farm fields will merge from the right to the point where the cliff edge and wall are near (which is about 10 m approx, extra care with wayward explorers). As the path leaves the corner of the wall heading northwesterly out onto the headland of 'Western Hill' (Notice: wooden fence, two posts and one bar with a sign virtually opposite a path). Following the path, around and down the hill. This leads to a gate at the bottom, through the gate into the courtyard of some premises. At the edge of the curtilage, turn left, North, down to the sea front.

(4) To explore Portreath, [Note: See the sign regarding dogs, they are not allowed on the beach. Be mindful that the tide can come right up to the cliff edge.], at the point of the property's curtilage, turn right up and along 'Battery Hill', which will lead into Portreath for any services required.

(5) The return trip - go through the gate and continue straight, west, climb the hill, until meeting up with the original path and the two pole and bar fence. Turn left and follow the route back to the start, being mindful of the route to take (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 130 m - Bassett Cove Parking
  2. 1 : km 0.17 - alt. 48 m - The Hedge Stile
  3. 2 : km 0.61 - alt. 124 m - The first valley
  4. 3 : km 0.9 - alt. 115 m - The second valley
  5. 4 : km 2.36 - alt. 76 m - The Beach
  6. 5 : km 2.42 - alt. 79 m - Gateway on the route
  7. S/E : km 4.55 - alt. 71 m - Bassett Cove Parking

Notes

Accessibility: The route has one stile through a hedge, a step up, and two gates.

Walking along the Southwest Coast Path

  • The route is a 'there and back'; the challenging valley/hills need to be completed twice.
  • The South West Coast Path is well-used, and some areas are 'well-worn', try to avoid creating more paths.
  • This section of the coastal path is mainly of loose stone; it has a stile and switchback paths up and down the valleys.
  • As the route undulates, be sure-footed, and wear good supporting footwear (thin-soled footwear, you will feel every stone!).
  • The winds on the coastline and cliff edges can be strong; be aware of sudden gusts, both on and offshore.
  • There are some areas very close to the edge of the cliff; be mindful and keep dogs under control.
  • The rocks and stones are or can become slippery, dry, or wet, be sure-footed.

Start: This walk begins at Bassett Cove car park, a free National Trust parking area - W3W- surveyed.users.leafing

Refreshments: At Portreath, there are cafes, takeaways, and a shop.

Public Convenience: At Portreath.

Public Transport: Portreath is on a bus route, at this time not along the B3301 passing by Bassett Cove. This is a linear route that may be walked in either direction. However, walking to Portreath on this route offers the option to seek assistance back to the start. There is a Taxi Service in the town.

Mobile Signal: A mobile signal can be fickle; it is advised to use to download the Visorando app and follow offline.

Handrail: This is a linear feature that has been identified like a road, wall etc.

Worth a visit

  • Tehidy Woods
  • North Cliff - an optional walk, which is mobility-friendly
  • Portreath - Public Conveniences, Cafes, Beach

Other walks in the area

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The GPS track and description are the property of this route's author. Please do not copy them without permission.