The Best Walks for Wave Watching

There surely is nothing better on a Sunday afternoon than heading out on a wave watching walk along the endless miles of South West coast path that we’re so lucky to have on our doorstep here in Cornwall.

Of course, the winter wind and weather that has pounded our coastline for centuries, create the buffering seas that form the rocky outcrops and sheltered coves we see and visit during our daily boat excursions throughout the year. Is there anything more bracing than enjoying the big seas from a safe distance, before a cosy pint at your favourite pub?  We think not.

Here we have chosen three of our favourite walks in and around Polzeath and Rock and the best pub for a pint before, during or after.

The Rumps

This circular walk starts near the Lead Mines National Trust car park and heads out onto the coast path. You’ll get a great view of Post Isaac Bay from Com Head and then the path continues to Rumps Point where you can walk through the Iron Age fortifications to the twin headlands. The island off The Rumps headland and is called the Mouls.

It rises from the seabed around 30 meters below the surface of the sea and during the summer months, puffins breed on the rock, giving it an alternative name of Puffin Island. These can be seen up close on a two hour boat trip with us from Rock or Padstow.

From the headland you then continue to Pentire Point where you’ll get views across the Camel Estuary and on the beach at Pentireglaze.

Finally, you then head inland at New Polzeath along the lanes to Pentire Farm. This walk takes you quite close to unfenced cliff edges and so please keep yourself, children and dogs under control.

Pub for a Pint: The Atlantic Bar and Kitchen

Daymer Bay to Padstow

This walk starts at the sweeping and sheltered Daymer Bay and heads across the sand dunes to Rock via St Enodoc Church, or you can detour up Brae Hill from which you will get 360-degree views of the Camel Estuary and open countryside and coastline. The path follows the estuary coast path along the River Camel.

The Camel Estuary is a geological ria, a deep valley flooded by rising sea levels after the last ice age.  The best way to explore the estuary is by boat or bike. The 12-mile Camel Trail bike route starts in Padstow and follows the river all the way up to its source on the edge of Bodmin Moor. Cornwall Boat trips are available from both Rock and Padstow. From Rock Village you can hop on the ferry across the estuary to Padstow, or take the water taxi if you’re venturing out after 6pm.

Pub for a pint: The Mariners

Polzeath to Daymer

Polzeath Beach is a must-visit during a stay in Cornwall. Its wide sweep of sand is a firm favourite with surfers due to its great conditions most of the year, something you could take advantage of after enjoying one of our Cornwall surf lessons. The beach is also a great starting point for a lovely walk around to the also super popular Daymer Bay.

The walk follows the coast path on the south end of the beach and heads out over some high cliffs and coves only accessible at low tide or a paddleboard. Approximately halfway to Daymer, you’ll get to the delightful Greenaway Beach. The lovely little cove accessed down some steep steps is perfect for a mid-walk picnic or snack. The beach is one of the few places in Cornwall you can find cowrie shells. These are hard to find as they’re about the size of your little fingernail, white and rounded on top and sometimes with a peachy tinge and a few spots.

After a break head back up the steps and continue on the coast path south keeping Stepper Point on your right.  As you round the corner, you’ll start to see Daymer Bay come into view. Once you get to the carpark the beach is accessed down the steps.

Pub for a Pint: The Oyster Catcher