Perranuthnoe, Rosudgeon, and the South West Coast Path passing Prussia Cove

Starting at the Perranuthnoe Car Park >>>>

(S/E) Leave the parking area and walk back up the hill, past the houses, turn right just before the road, Saint Pirans Way, it appears to be a private drive, but it does lead to the path. Enter the path gate into a farm field, the route will lead through many gates, stiles, and through open farmland. As the route climbs higher, looking back west across the bay and St Michael's Mount. Leading up to Trevean Farm, there is a small section, an area that appears to be an old mining waste tip, which has two routes. Take the left route; the right-hand route was not checked, but may still lead to Trevean Farm, buildings that have been converted into holiday lets.

(1) Walk through the farm, with the exit route heading north, the path is through another farm gate, into another field, and the path continues along and through fields. Meeting the country lane, turn left, north east. Continue on the country lane up the hill and along Rosudgeon Common. Entering the village of Rosudgeon, continue past the speed limit signs, turn right, and east along the lane, pass the children's play area and turn right.

(2) Head south down the lane, which will lead onto a track, then a path. This section leads down through a wooded area and past an off-grid community; there may be chickens loose, so keep dogs under control. The path then turns back to a track, heading south, then east at the turn, up to a hamlet called Kenneggy.

(3) Continue heading south, past the campsite, seasonal, at the end of the lane, continue heading south between the two fields; this is the path. At the end of the path and fields, bearing slightly right and west. At the top of Kenneggy Cliff, there are more disused mine workings and a mine tip. Continue down the path, heading towards King's Cove. You are now on the South West Coast Path, SWCP.

(4) Prussia Cove is a cluster of small coves once frequented by a well-known smuggler. The old buildings in this area are advertised as holiday lets, and there is a lot of history of this area. Continue following the SWCP, be mindful that some of the tracks and paths lead to the nearby properties, and the signage for the SWCP is not too clear. Following the app will assist.Continue heading west along the path to a stile with two posts, which have coins pressed into them.

(5) Cross over the stile to Cudden Point, now managed by the National Trust, follow the SWCP North and West, entering the village of Perranuthnoe, and arriving back to the car parking areas (S/E).

Before the walk

• Download the route on the Visorando app.
• Pay for parking.
• Suitably dressed for the route and have water, refreshments optional, a picnic on the cliffs might be nice.

This walk was tracked on the Visorando app, as the mobile signal can be intermittent.

Start: This walk's starting point, by the public toilets and car parking area, there is an honesty box next to the toilets - W3W >>>

Transport: There is a bus Service down to Perranuthnoe. Timings of the buses should be confirmed, allowing for the return trip

Parking: Vehicle parking - there is parking, with a small charge of £2.00, at the time of this walk, which is paid into a trust box next to the public toilet

Timing: The estimated time allows for extra time, when appropriate, for exploration and personal pace.

Note: Ensure that the highway code is followed and that dogs are kept under control. Keep off the field where crops are growing, stay on the path.

Wellbeing: Wear appropriate footwear and clothing for the conditions; Keep hydrated.

Accessibility: There are stiles and gates to negotiate, some of which are full hedge height.

Refreshments: There are several convenient cafes, and of course, the local public house.

• There are seasonal shops, cafes, and a public house.
• How Prussia Cove got its name. The Carter family was notorious smugglers in the area, one of whom referred to himself as the King of Prussia. Further reading >>>>
• HMS Warspite, a WW1/2 decommissioned battleship, broke away from the tow line, ran aground at the Cove, was towed to near St Michael's Mount, and cut up for scrap. It remains the largest salvage operation in British waters. Further reading >>>>
• Wildlife and bird watching - At the time of plotting this walk, it was reported that a pair of Peregrine Falcons were in the area, and the Cornish Chough.
• The scenery.
• An optional, easier route, Perranuthnoe Circular with a section of the South West Coast Path >>>