Here at Higher Pendeen Camping we are so lucky to have an array of beautiful beaches, all within walking distance via the South West Coast Path. Most also run alongside the Atlantic Coaster bus route, so you can walk or ride or both. These are a few of the most local beaches to Mawgan Porth.

Let’s start with stunning Mawgan Porth beach, ten minutes from your tent across our farm. Golden sands which stretch as far as the eye can see at low tide, rock pools, caves, a waterfall and great surf, Mawgan Porth has it all. Set in an amphitheatre of Cornish cliffs in a designated Area of Great Landscape Value, you can have your morning swim and be back for breakfast in no time. As the beach faces West, the sunsets are spectacular too. There’s a Lifeguard service in main season and a small selection of shops, cafes, restaurants and a pub near the entrance to the beach.

Travelling North, the next beach is the breath-taking Carnewas and Bedruthan Steps. The dramatic stacks on the beach, created by coastal erosion are the epitome of the wild North Cornish Coast and popular with photographers. As of January 2022, the path to the beach is closed due to recent rockfalls and while the access is being assessed for repairs, the coastguard and RNLI urge visitors not to attempt alternative routes down, particularly as the tide there can come in quickly. It can still be enjoyed from the coastal path above and there’s a scrumptious tea room for refreshments including Cornish Cream Teas.

Further on, for the adventurous, is Porth Mear, a stone and shingle beach which is a short but steep walk, but the rewards of visiting are bountiful. At high tide, it appears as a short inlet, but the wave cut platforms and formations create hours of rockpool fun and as the tide goes out, larger gullies provide tidal pools large enough to swim in. It’s not lifeguarded so care and local advice should be taken, particularly at low tide when currents can be strong, but the walk means that visitors are outnumbered by the abundant sea birds nesting and feeding off the cliffs and rocks. You could be lucky enough to see a seal or two. When calm, it’s also a fabulous location to go nature spotting on paddle boards or have a snorkel.

Heading South from Mawgan Porth, you’ll arrive at the vast sandy expanse of Watergate Bay. With a selection of hospitality options at the entrance, the beach is so wide, there’s no such thing as over crowding. Fantastic for those who love a long walk with salt in your hair and sand in your toes, whilst taking in the whole of Newquay Bay. Lifeguard cover is provided in season

Whipsiderry Beach is next along prior to arriving at the main Newquay Beaches. Compared to Porth beach next door, Whipsiderry is relatively quiet and unknown, with some steep steps down. If the steps are not an issue, it’s a wonderful and wild sandy cove to enjoy, although there’s no beach at high tide. Set against dramatic cliffs, stacks and caves, you really wouldn’t know there was a busy holiday resort around the headland.