The post A Walk Around Treen – from Porthcurno to Porth Chapel appeared first on Explore Cornwall.
]]>Back in July Scott and I finally visited one of Cornwall’s most popular spots: Porthcurno.
We parked up in the Treen carpark, a small field in the village of Treen just North of Porthcurno. From here it’s a short walk along the cliff path to the golden sands of Porthcurno.
Porthurno is famous for its turquoise waters, the Minack theatre and its role in global communication. During the summer months it’s incredibly busy, so if you want to stop off here for the day it’s definitely best to get in early. There is another carpark in Porthcurno, a handful of lovely cafes and seasonal lifeguard cover.
Across the bay are wonderful views of Pedn vounder beach, which up until recently was a considered a more secret spot, especially for those who prefer their day on the beach to have a more naked flare. This tidal beach is tricky to get down to, and involves climbing down the cliff to reach it. The tide here also comes in fairly sharply, leaving visitors at risk of getting stuck.
The rocky outcrop on the far right of the photos features Treen Dinas and Logan’s Rock. Logan’s Rock is a 65 ton naturally balanced boulder (at least until in 1824 when some sailors attempted to remove it, knocking it in the sea before being forced to replace it following public outcry).
Just past Minack Point on Rospletha Cliff are the remains of the 59m mast that was erected by the Eastern Telegraph Company as part of Marconi’s experiments.
On the other side of Rospletha Cliff is the smaller Porth Chapel beach. This is a beautiful little spot, smaller and quieter than its neighbour, with gentle waters perfect for paddling.
This old well had been used for centuries by those living nearby, especially for baptisms at the church that once sat sit further down the cliff.
Access is free to everyone, although some parts of the coast path are very steep and may not be accessible for those with mobility issues.
There is a pay and display car park in the village.
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]]>The post Zennor to Gurnard’s Head Walk appeared first on Explore Cornwall.
]]>Over Easter weekend, Scottie and I popped down to Zennor and walked the coastpath to Gurnard’s Head.
This is such a beautiful stretch of the coast, dotted with hidden beaches and relics of mining past. The first bay is made up of Pendour and Veor coves.
The coastpath leads around Carnelloe (or Carnellow) cliff, with a few remains of Zennor Consols mine dotted around. The next cove is Porthglaze, leading onto Carn Neen and Boswednack Cliff.
The path eventually leads to Rose-an-Hale and Treen coves, just as the cliff curves around to form Gurnard’s Head. In this area is the remains of Chapel Jane. This is what’s left of an old fisherman’s chapel, much of which has fallen into the sea. It’s name comes from the Cornish ‘yein’ which means bleak. The earliest mention of this church is from 1565, although some of its construction is dated from 1150. It continued to be used until the 16th century. More recent consolidation and maintenance of the revealed a stone bench and possible location of the original alter; the remaining alter can be clearly seen inside the building remains.
Overlooking the sea are two walls of the engine house belonging to Gurnard’s Head Mine (also known as Treen Mine).
Gurnard’s Head itself was once home to Trereen Dinas, this was an Iron Age promontory fort, defensive structure often built on this outcrop of land. The headlands gives wonderful views of this rugged stretch of coastline.
The whole walk follows the coastpath.
Zennor has a small gravel carpark, but apart from this parking is limited in the village.
Historic England (2018) Medieval chapel called Chapel Jane, Zennor. Historic England. Available at: https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1004631 (Accessed: 18 May 2019).
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