Newquay - Padstow hike along south west coast path

Posted on October 3, 2007
Filed Under - leisure |

A couple of friends are in town this week and today we hiked from Newquay to Padstow. Although it is only 13 miles by road, it is almost twice as far via the South West coastal path, as the way meanders in and out of the coves and beaches.

South west coast path, Porthcothan

We decided to leave the path at Treyarnon Bay and take the road through St Merryn to Padstow. It was imperative that we get to our destination by 6.30pm so that we could get the last bus back to Newquay - and taking the road was the only way to get there in time. We ended up covering 18 miles, which is a decent day’s hiking.

The weather was pretty impressive for October - warm, not very windy, with occasional bursts of sunshine. There is less colour in the landscape now than there is at the height of summer, but you don’t get the crowds on the beaches this time of year. The last time I walked up this way the beaches were full of holidaymakers. Today they were empty apart from the odd dog walker or surfer. The beaches still look beautiful though, with their clean sand and clear water.

I hadn’t been into Padstow before. It’s actually nicer than I expected - perhaps because I thought it would be very twee and touristy. Okay, it is quite twee, but out of season it is pleasant and not too crowded. We only had time for a pint by the harbour before we had to leave again. No time to try Rick Stein’s fish and chip shop, unfortunately, so I will have to leave that for another occasion.

Padstow harbour, south west coast path

Stumble it!

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