OK, so you're in the car park: Walk across the road, over to
the right and start walking. I cannot give directions here, we got lost
in the dunes! Somewhere out there are steps to take you away from the
dreadful sand and up towards the lovely grass on the cliffs. Eventually,
you'll get to the gate and looking back, you'll see Holywell Bay below
you.
Now you just keep to the left as you walk out round The Kelseys; soon
you'll come to Kelsey Head: A large flattish stone providing some shelter
from the wind on a breezy day. Many's the time I've wedged myself here
while seawatching (birdwatching for seabirds).
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Now follow the cliffs towards Porth (or Polly) Joke; a lovely beach
at the end of a sheltered valley. No facilities here, though: No toilets,
cafe or amusement arcade...just a beach. Go over the small bridge and
up the slope, turning left to follow the cliff alongside the beach,
then up and around West Pentire. From the broken-down wall at the top,
head right and downwards; the path is to the left of the wall in front
of you. This path will now take you all the way to the café at
Crantock Beach car park - If you can find the way across the grassy
dunes in the way!
If the day is hot (and it was), you can buy an ice cream at the café.
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The next part can be fun, you've got to walk across the Gannel: Preferably
when the tide is out! If it's in, there's a ferry, but I don't know
anything about it - you'll have to check it out. There is a bridge,
if you time it right, and from the other side, you have a very long
and steep stairway to walk.
Once at the top, turn left and walk along the street for a while before
coming out at Pentire; a favourite place for parking and dog-walking
(we certainly used to). Go past the toilets and along the rough lane
around to Fistral. There's a path which runs along the back of the beach,
and at the other end, you can walk with the Headland Hotel on the right
and so arrive back at your car.
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