- Location: Newquay, Cornwall
- Terrain: Tidal sands; coast path
- Access: Tidal sands
- Height gain: 382 metres
- Map: Os Explorer 106
- Starting point: Newquay Football Gulf Centre (GR SW 830 629)
- Accommodation/food:
There is a huge range of accommodation and eateries in Newquay. The closest pubs to the walks are The Mermaid Inn on Porth Beach; The Beach Hut, Watergate Bay; and Wax at Watergate Bay
- Activity Summary:
A stunning circular walk near Newquay between Porth Island and Watergate Bay that includes Flory and Zacry’s Islands and the caves of Whipsiderry Beach. In one direction the route explores the perimeter of Porth Island, Whipsiderry Beach, Fruitful Cove and Watergate Beach. The return leg is a cliff-top walk along the South West Coast Path.
Only attempt to walk the beach route 2 hours either side of low tide. Always plan your trip using the tide table for Newquay and try to start the walk on an outgoing tide.
- Look out for:
- Explore the islands of Newquay
- Stunning cliff top walk
- Relax on Watergate Beach
- Discover the caves of Whipsiderry Beach
- Route description:
This circular walk near Newquay starts at the Newquay Football Golf centre and continues west along the South West Coast Path to Porth Island, then returns to the mainland, and on to Whipsiderry Beach. Here, the large stack and small caves of Flory island can be seen. Continue along the cliff base, passed Zacry’s Islands (cross via the rockpools and ledges between the islands and the cliffs) and the caves of Whipsiderry Beach and Fruitful Cove to reach Watergate Beach. Leave the beach, walk through the carpark and head uphill to the right on the grass bank to reach the South West Coast Path. Continue along the path to return to the start of the walk.
NB Alternatives to this walk include starting on Whipsiderry Beach (missing out Porth Island) by descending the stone stairs at GR SW 831 631, off the B3276 just north of Porth Island. At the time of writing the stretch the South West Coast Path behind Whipsiderry beach leading to Trevelgue Head is temporarily closed due to unstable cliffs so is bypassed using a short section on the pavement alongside the B3276.
Other things to do nearby:
Visit Porth Island, Cornwall – more here
Walk to Zacry’s Islands, Cornwall – more here
Walk to Samphire Island, Cornwall – more here
Walk to Bedruthen Steps, Cornwall – more here
Walk to Crane Island, Cornwall – more here
Walk the South West Coast Path near Godrevy Island – more here
