Engine houses, sandy coves, sheer cliffs and a hilltop beacon – a walk through the heart of the Cornish mining landscape.
An interesting and varied walk following the coast path south-west from St Agnes past the famous engine houses of Wheal Coates to Chapel Porth and Porthtowan, then inland along lanes to the foot of St Agnes Beacon and back down into the village.
This is part of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site, and the cliffs are dotted with the remains of tin and copper mines.
Walk at a glance
- Distance
- 8 miles (about 4 hrs)
- Grade
- Moderate – steep steps at the start and a climb to the Beacon
- Map
- OS Explorer 104 – Redruth & St Agnes
- Start
- Trevaunance Cove, St Agnes
- Terrain
- Coast path, quiet lanes, moorland and field paths; beach at low tide
Parking
Several car parks in St Agnes and at Trevaunance Cove.
Facilities
Toilets in the car park by the library and down by the beach. Cafés, pubs and shops in St Agnes, and a pub and café at Trevaunance Cove. Refreshments at Chapel Porth (seasonal) and Porthtowan.
Disabled access
This walk is not suitable for wheelchairs or limited mobility: the road down to Trevaunance Cove is very steep, the walk starts up steep steps, and much of the coast path is rough and uneven near unfenced cliffs. Trevaunance Cove has toilets with disabled provision, and the Trelawny Road car park in St Agnes has disabled bays. For a shorter outing, the National Trust car park at Wheal Coates has a designated disabled space, and the engine houses are about 300–500 m away along a fairly level but stony, uneven path; beyond the first buildings it becomes very steep and rough.
The route
Trevaunance Cove
Start at Trevaunance Cove, St Agnes beach. The piles of boulders to the west are all that is left of St Agnes’ harbour. Several attempts were made to build a harbour here from the 17th century onwards, including one by the Tonkin family in 1710, to export tin and copper and land pilchards, but each was eventually destroyed by the Atlantic storms.
To St Agnes Head
Leave the beach by a series of steep steps and follow the coast path westwards above the ruins of the harbour. The path follows the contour of the cliff – gentle walking, but the cliffs are steep and the sea is a long way below. Look out for old mine workings, and for seals around Bawden Rocks offshore. After about 3 km you reach St Agnes Head, where the coast turns south.
Wheal Coates
Ahead are the engine houses of Wheal Coates and Towanroath. Wheal Coates lies above the coast path, so where the path splits, leave the acorn signs and head there first. When you have explored, either retrace your steps or take a steep track down to rejoin the coast path at Towanroath.
Chapel Porth to Porthtowan
Carry on to Chapel Porth, a beautiful beach and a good spot for a break. At low tide you can walk along the beach to Porthtowan (about 20 minutes), but check the tide times carefully – the beach is cut off as the tide comes in. Otherwise follow the coast path.
Inland to Towan Cross
From Porthtowan beach walk inland until you pass a car park and toilets on your left. Take the left turn just past the car park; on your left a track marked as a public byway leads uphill. Follow it, ignoring turnings to the right; it becomes a footpath known as Towan Road, passes Towan Farm and after about 1 km meets a road near Towan Cross. Turn left to Towan Cross, then left again opposite the pub down a quiet lane.
St Agnes Beacon and back
Descend into Chapel Coombe and climb towards St Agnes Beacon. Ignore a right turn and continue to a crossroads; go straight on and take the first track on the left signed to the Beacon (private track – dogs on leads). The path contours around the hill before climbing to the top, with views along the coast in both directions. From the summit take the right-hand path down through a farm gate and along a track to a minor road; turn left, and just past a few houses a footpath on the right leads down into St Agnes by the church.
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
Wheal Coates
One of the most photographed engine houses in Cornwall, perched above the sea (National Trust).
Chapel Porth
A small sandy cove at the foot of a steep valley, with rock pools at low tide.
St Agnes Beacon
A 192 m hill giving panoramic views over the north coast.
Trevaunance Cove
St Agnes’ own beach, with the remains of its lost harbour.
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.