Cornish Miles
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Route map

Mapped line

North Coast / Coast path

Newquay to Watergate Bay

An out-and-back from Newquay harbour over Barrowfields and around Porth Island's footbridge, then along the cliff line to the wide sands of Watergate Bay. The cliff path rolls constantly; the beach below drowns twice a day, which is why the route stays up top.

1 hr 15 min – 1 hr 55 min

Newquay Harbour to Newquay Harbour

Desk-researched / Not yet field-checked

Distance
12.7 km
Elevation
223 m
Start
Newquay Harbour
Terrain
Coast path
Difficulty
Moderate
Route type
Out and back

Practical notes

Best for

  • Holiday runs with a cafe turnaround
  • Rolling cliff miles without technical ground
  • Watching the surf brands' beach empty and fill

Watch for

  • Cliff edges unfenced beyond Porth
  • The beach-level return only works at low water — the cliff path is the reliable line
  • Summer footpath traffic around Porth Island

Facilities

  • Everything in Newquay
  • Toilets and cafes at Porth and Watergate Bay

Season

Runs all year. A north-westerly gale makes the outward leg a fight and the return a gift.

Parking
Harbour and town car parks in Newquay; Watergate Bay's fills with surf traffic by mid-morning in season.
Public transport
Newquay has branch-line trains and buses along the coast road towards Watergate if you want a one-way run. Check times.
Conditions
Tarmac path over Barrowfields, then grass and gravel cliff top with short sharp dips at each cove.
Navigation
Coast path waymarks throughout, with the Porth footbridge the only place to think. At Watergate, the hotel marks the turn.

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