Twin headlands crowned by an Iron Age fort, seals below the cliffs and views from Trevose Head to Tintagel – one of the finest headland walks in Cornwall.
The Pentire headland stands between Polzeath and Port Quin Bay, a wild stretch of grassland and cliff cared for by the National Trust. At its northern tip, the twin rocky promontories of The Rumps are ringed by the ramparts of an Iron Age cliff castle, while the view from Pentire Point takes in the Camel Estuary, Stepper Point and, on a clear day, Trevose Head lighthouse and Tintagel.
It was on these cliffs in September 1914 that the poet Laurence Binyon wrote “For the Fallen”, with its famous lines “They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old”. This circuit combines the headland with the little cove of Lundy Bay, returning over the fields to Pentireglaze.
Walk at a glance
- Distance
- About 5 miles (allow 2½–3 hrs)
Shorter headland loop 3½ miles - Grade
- Moderate – some steep slopes and steps, exposed on the headland
- Map
- OS Explorer 106 – Newquay & Padstow
- Start
- National Trust Pentireglaze car park, near Polzeath PL27 6QY
- Terrain
- Grassy and stony coast path, some steps, gated fields and farm tracks – muddy after rain
Parking
National Trust pay and display car park at Pentireglaze (PL27 6QY), free for National Trust members; the machines take coins only, or pay by JustPark. Further National Trust car parks at Lead Mines and Lundy Bay. You can also start from Polzeath beach, following the coast path round past New Polzeath to Pentireglaze Haven.
Facilities
Toilets (including a Changing Places toilet) and a café at Pentireglaze car park – in winter the toilets are only open when the café is. Cafés, shops and toilets in Polzeath.
Disabled access
The full coastal circuit is not suitable for wheelchairs: the coast path is narrow, stony and uneven in places, with steps and steep slopes above unfenced cliffs. The National Trust car park at Pentireglaze has designated disabled spaces, an accessible toilet, a Changing Places toilet and a café reached by a ramp, and the orchard beside it has a compacted stone path. The National Trust also has an all-terrain Tramper mobility scooter for hire at Pentire (book in advance), with several routes suitable for it.
The route
Pentireglaze to Lundy Bay
From the Pentireglaze car park follow the National Trust’s grassy permissive paths east, running alongside the road, to the Lundy Bay car park. Cross the road and take the path down through the small wooded valley to the coast at Lundy Bay.
Lundy Bay
Lundy Bay is a small sandy cove at low tide, with Lundy Hole – a collapsed sea cave – just along the coast. Join the South West Coast Path heading west, with the sea on your right.
Carnweather Point
The path climbs steeply to Carnweather Point, then crosses open grassland with benches and superb views of The Rumps ahead and Doyden Castle across Port Quin Bay behind. Continue along the clifftop past an old quarry, ignoring the turning inland to the Lead Mines car park.
The Rumps
A short path leads out onto The Rumps, where three lines of ramparts cut across the neck of the promontory – the defences of an Iron Age cliff castle. Offshore is The Mouls, a rocky island where seabirds nest; watch for grey seals in the water below.
Pentire Point
Return to the coast path and follow it west to Pentire Point. A plaque on the headland marks the spot associated with Laurence Binyon and “For the Fallen”. From here the path turns south, with views across the mouth of the Camel Estuary to Stepper Point and Padstow Bay.
Pentireglaze Haven and back
Follow the coast path down to Pentireglaze Haven, a small sandy beach. Leave the coast here and take the signed path inland through gated fields, then the orchard footpath, back to the Pentireglaze car park. For the shorter 3½-mile headland loop, start by walking up from the car park to Lead Mines and join the coast path there, missing out Lundy Bay.
All information is given in good faith and for guidance only. Always carry the OS map and check the South West Coast Path website for diversions.
Highlights along the way
The Rumps
Twin rocky headlands defended by the three ramparts of an Iron Age cliff castle.
Pentire Point
A dramatic headland with a plaque to Laurence Binyon, who wrote “For the Fallen” here in 1914.
Lundy Bay
A secluded sandy cove with the collapsed sea cave of Lundy Hole nearby.
Wildlife
Grey seals, peregrine falcons and nesting seabirds on The Mouls; wildflowers on the cliffs in spring.
Nearby
Places to visit
Towns & villages
Photos
Where the walk starts
The marker shows the start of the walk.
Before you set out
Carry the OS map – paths and signs can change and mobile signal is patchy.
Check the weather and tide times before you set out.
Keep to the path and well back from cliff edges.
Keep dogs under close control near livestock and cliffs.