Back to West Cornwall & The Lizard walks
Granite headlands, turquoise coves, the cliff-top Minack Theatre and the wild moorland coast around Gwennap Head – one of the finest walks in West Cornwall.
Out of season Treen is almost deserted. From this small village near Land’s End the walk heads down to Penberth Cove, then follows the coast path past Logan Rock to Porthcurno and the Minack Theatre, on to the tunnelled cove of Porthgwarra and round Gwennap Head before returning across farmland.
If you want a shorter walk, there is a 20-minute short cut back to Treen from Porthcurno.
Walk at a glance
- Distance
- 10 miles (about 5 hrs); short cut back from Porthcurno
- Grade
- Moderate
- Map
- OS Explorer 102 – Land's End
- Start
- Treen car park, opposite the chapel (grid ref SW 394230)
- Terrain
- Coast path, field paths and farm lanes – one inland section is unsigned
Parking
Pay and display car park at Treen.
Facilities
Pub, shop and toilets in Treen; shop, café, pub and toilets at Porthcurno; café and toilets at Porthgwarra (seasonal).
Disabled access
This walk is not suitable for wheelchairs or anyone with limited mobility: there are steep steps between Porthcurno beach and the Minack Theatre, rough granite coast path, stiles and uneven field paths. The South West Coast Path Association lists a short easy-access route from Treen car park towards Logan Rock, but warns the track is narrow and grooved and suitable only for dedicated off-road mobility scooters. At Porthgwarra a metalled track out towards Gwennap Head suits mobility scooters and pushchairs, while PK Porthcurno has Blue Badge bays, though there is a long, steep slope up from its lower car parks.
Places to stay
The route
Treen to Penberth Cove
The walk starts beside the car park, opposite the chapel. Follow the footpath to Penberth Cove; the path drops away to the left, keeping the sea on your right, around tiny fields that once grew market-garden produce.
Logan Rock to Porthcurno
From the cove turn right and follow the coast path over Cribba Head towards Logan Rock, the mighty granite headland popular with climbers. After about 2 km (1¼ miles) the Minack Theatre comes into view beyond Porthcurno beach. Look out for a granite bench on your right; soon after, the coast path turns sharply right down towards Porthcurno.
Short cut back to Treen
To end your walk at Porthcurno, retrace your steps to the granite bench, take the path to the left and left again along a track that leads into Treen (about 20 minutes).
Minack Theatre and St Levan
From Porthcurno beach climb the steep steps up towards the Minack Theatre. Walk through the car park and continue through a kissing gate along the coast path. After about 500 m the path descends to Porth Chapel and a stream; instead, follow the well-worn track to the right past a few houses to a lane, and turn left to the hidden church of St Levan.
Porthgwarra and Gwennap Head
Opposite the church take the footpath to Porthgwarra. After 50 m turn right up a steep path and bear right across the open field, keeping close to the hedge, to rejoin the acorn signs. Porthgwarra is a delightful rocky cove with tunnelled cliffs, caves and a tea shop – look out for seals. Continue round Gwennap Head, the southern tip of the Penwith peninsula, with views to Land’s End and, on a clear day, the Isles of Scilly. Near the coastwatch lookout a huge blowhole sits right beside the path.
Inland to Bosistow and Raftra
After about 1½ km (1 mile) the route turns inland – this path is not signed. Just after the coast path drops to a stream and rises again, look on your right for a stone wall and fence; follow a faint track along the left side of the wall to a farm gate and a lane. Follow the lane to Higher Bosistow Farm; at a junction follow the arrow to the right past the farm onto a green lane and continue to the road. Turn left, then right towards Raftra Farm, past the cottages and a cow shed, through a gate and parallel to a large barn to a signpost and gate in the top left corner of the field.
Back to Treen
From here the paths are signed with yellow arrows (you may need to walk round crops). Head towards a white cottage, keep two white houses on your left and cross a wall via stone steps to a road. Turn right, then after 100 m left along the path towards Tredrennen Farm, keeping the field boundary on your left. Pass in front of the hamlet and follow the path opposite the barn back to Treen.
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
Penberth Cove
A tiny working fishing cove owned by the National Trust.
Logan Rock
A granite headland famous for its once-rocking boulder.
Minack Theatre
An open-air theatre carved into the cliff above Porthcurno.
Porthgwarra
A tiny cove with tunnels cut through the rock by miners.
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.