A pleasant walk past small coves and through tin mining history. Although this is entitled Cligga to Porthtowan, we walked from Porthtowan to Cligga; so that's how it will be described.
For this walk, you need OS Landranger 203, Lands End
Severity of walk
Porthtowan holds a lot of memories for me, I was
a teenager here in the 60's when surfing was just starting: Sadly, the
cafe that we frequented has disappeared, but the ghosts are still there.
Wheal Coates is one of the most photographed engine houses in Cornwall,
the view of the buildings against the sweep of the coast is very dramatic.
Trevaunance Cove at St Agnes is a delightful spot, and you walk past the
old World War II fighter dispersal areas at Perranporth Airfield, standing
next to extensive mine workings.
Park the first car at Cligga, by the airfield, grid reference SW 741 535
Follow the B3285 from Perranporth towards St Agnes: After driving up the
hill and leaving Perranporth, look out for the Airfield and Industrial
Estate on the right-hand side. Turn into the road leading to the Estate,
and continue as far as you can go: There is a narrow way past two posts,
but you can park before these if you wish.
Park the second car in the car park at Porthtowan, grid reference SW 693 480
Return to the B3285 and turn right, travelling towards St Agnes. After Barcla Shop, you have a sharp right-hand bend then you go up a hill with a shallow left-hand bend at the top. Shortly after, turn left signposted Goonbell. Follow this to a T junction, turn left and follow the road round to the right; continue to the end, a crossroads. Drive across the main road, then across the next crossroads, and continue straight on. After a steep hill (downwards), turn right into Porthtowan and find the car park on the right.
