Porthcurno to Land’s End Adventure

Posted on 26/05/202526/05/2025 by Nick at Number 7

🌿 Overview of Porthcurno to Land’s End

A spectacular coastal walk from Porthcurno to Land’s End in Cornwall, this 10-mile circular route showcases jaw-dropping beaches, dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and flower-filled green lanes. Porthcurno is approximately 35 miles from Number 7. Although a bit of a drive, this walk ties in a number of iconic spots you may want to visit. Starting and ending in Porthcurno, this walk includes Pedn Vounder, the Minack Theatre, Porthchapel, Porthgwarra, Gwennap Head, the magical Nanjizal Cove, and finally Land’s End, before looping inland through peaceful countryside lanes and footpaths.

We planned to do a smaller loop, but extended it to take in Nanjizal and Land’s End. We’re so glad we did. For a shorter version, it’s easy to return inland via numerous footpaths.

🚗 Starting Point: Porthcurno

We parked at Porthcurno car park – a pay-on-exit facility that accepts card payments. A quick tip: the RingGo app doesn’t work well here due to poor reception. From the car park, a short stroll south takes you to the breathtaking Porthcurno Beach.

Porthcurno deserves every accolade. With its soft near-white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters, it’s consistently ranked among Cornwall’s top beaches – and rightly so. Framed by towering granite cliffs, the beach is visually stunning, but also geologically fascinating. The sand here is made from pulverised seashells, which give it a unique texture and colour that enhances the sea’s dazzling hue.

Just beyond lies Pedn Vounder, arguably the crown jewel of Cornish beaches. Though we didn’t catch the tide right this time, at low tide you can walk around the headland to this secluded slice of paradise. Once a local secret, it’s now a favourite on Instagram – and for good reason. Expect dramatic sandbars, translucent water, and a true sense of escape. A quick point of note- this is a known naturist beach. Pedn Vounder is also one to take careful note of the tides with – if you miss your window, your only exit is a steep, tricky scramble up the cliff path.

🎭 Minack Theatre & Porthchapel Cove

Heading west from Porthcurno, steep steps lead up past the iconic open-air Minack Theatre (you’ll have to book in advance if you’d like to visit the Minack Theatre Gardens). From here, the coastal path offers panoramic views at every turn. Our next stop was the hidden gem of Porthchapel Cove. Accessed via a fairly manageable (but slightly scrambly) path, this idyllic cove features white sand, clear water, and even a freshwater waterfall and stream. It’s the perfect peaceful stop before continuing along the cliffs.

Above the cove lies St Levan’s Chapel, which we didn’t visit on this walk. If you didn’t want to do the full Porthcurno to Land’s End walk, this would make a great point to loop back for a shorter route.

🌸 Wildflowers & Porthgwarra

The stretch from Porth Chapel to Porthgwarra was a sensory feast – the cliffs were bursting with spring wildflowers. In an area often too exposed for buildings or farmland, nature thrives. We spotted sea campion, blue bells, lousewort, sea thrift, wild honeysuckle, and more. It was like walking through a living bouquet.

Porthgwarra itself is a charming, tiny cove complete with a tunnel carved through the rock to the beach, and a slipway – all recognisable features for fans of Poldark. We couldn’t resist stopping for a well-earned ice cream at the café.

🌊 Gwennap Head

From here, it was a short but dramatic walk to Gwennap Head, where the views opened up to wide Atlantic panoramas. The headland is known for its lookout station and the distinctive red and white day markers used to align shipping routes. On a clear day, the Isles of Scilly are just visible on the horizon. It’s a brilliant spot for seabird watchers, and if you’re lucky, even dolphins.

📸 Nanjizal Cove – The Showstopper

Next was the stunning Nanjizal Cove – a photogenic favourite that’s become something of an Instagram sensation in recent years. Despite the hype, it still feels remote and untouched, as there’s no direct road access. You have to earn this one on foot, which only adds to the magic.

The cove is best known for the natural rock arch known as “Song of the Sea” – a dramatic, sea-carved slit through the towering cliffs that glows golden in the late afternoon sun. With its boulder-strewn beach, caves, freshwater stream, and peaceful atmosphere, Nanjizal feels like something out of a fantasy novel. It’s the perfect place to pause, soak up the scenery, and snap a few (hundred) photos before heading on. For us, it was a wild and windy delight.

⚠️ Clifftop Challenge & Land’s End

After Nanjizal, we made a slight misstep and followed the lower cliff-edge path instead of the safer higher one. This narrow trail is not for the faint-hearted. It’s passable, but we recommend it for those with good footing and a head for heights!

Eventually, we emerged at Land’s End – a stark contrast from the serenity of the path behind us. Suddenly, we were among crowds, tourist attractions, roped walkways, and general hustle and bustle. While a bit of a shock to the system, it was also a welcome opportunity for refreshments, facilities, and a brief rest.

🏡 The Return Route

From Land’s End, we headed inland along a short stretch of end of the A30 (thankfully it has a pavement most of the way), turning right onto the B3315 towards Trevescan. At Trevescan we headed off on public footpaths through Trevilley and Higher Bosistow.

The ancient green lanes beyond Higher Bosistow to Rafra Farm were absolutely beautiful – tall Cornish hedgerows, buzzing with bees and bursting with wildflowers, lined the peaceful paths. From Rafra Farm, we took one of the numerous footpaths back to Porthcurno, completing the loop.

🥾 Final Thoughts – Porthcurno to Land’s End

This walk from Porthcurno to Land’s End is a perfect blend of wild coastline, secret beaches, and flower-filled countryside. It is challenging in places, but the rewards are endless. Be prepared for changes in terrain, take plenty of water and snacks, and don’t forget to take lots of pictures – every turn offers a view worth capturing.

This Porthcurno to Land’s End circular walk is perfect for a full day adventure before returning to Number 7 for a well-earned cup of tea and relax.

Magical Gillan Cove

Posted on 08/03/202515/03/2025 by Nick at Number 7

Gillan Cove and its beautiful neighbour, Flushing Cove, are two of our favourite little secret gems. An absolute haven for anyone who enjoys swim-walking, wild swimming, SUPping, walking, or just getting away from it all. Sit down and listen to the birds in the trees above with the gentle lap of the water below. Nestled off the beaten track, with no parking /tourist facilities, these secluded spots tend to be quiet throughout the year. You have to put effort into reaching them, but when you do, oh my, that effort is rewarded!

Fully dog friendly throughout the year, tucked away at the entrance to the Helford Estuary, we wholeheartedly recommend you check these out.

Below are a few photos/video clips to show why we love these magical coves quite so much.

With no easily accessible parking, you can walk to Gillan Cove down the footpath from the nearby lane. There are a few passing spaces on the closest lane, which are big enough to accommodate a car and still allow passing. Alternatively, this footpath is approximately a 2-mile walk from Number 7.

The walk down to Gillan Creek..

It is an enchantingly beautiful spot – so peaceful…. just listen to that birdsong… (This was taken at low tide in March)

“The Hera” at the entrance of Gillan Cove

At Gillan, there is an unusual small prominentary. This area, known as “The Hera” provides protection to the cove. This creates a gentle area to swim or paddleboard in, particularly at high tide.

To the South of the The Hera, there are more exposed coves, where you can feel the full force of the open water at the entrance of the Helford. This video clip is taken walking up the grassy bank of The Hera.

Standing on the top of “The Hera” at the entrace of Gillan Creek and looking out to sea and towards the entrance of The Helford. Listen to the difference in the wind at this point, when compared to the clip taken in the sheltered part of the Cove (they were taken on the same day).

Walking Round to Flushing Cove

From Gillan Cove, you can either walk South on the coastal path to head to the more exposed Nare Point, passing an absolute multitude of hidden coves along the way… or head North for the very short stroll around to Flushing Cove. Flushing is another similar tiny cove, perfect for spending a relaxed day enjoying the water and walks at a totally different pace.

Walking down into Flushing Cove along the coastal path. (Video taken at low tide in March.)

From Flushing Cove you can either continue on around the coastal path, up around Gillan Creek, or stroll up the little lane, back towards Number 7 (or your car).

We hope you enjoy exploring this area as much as we do.

You might also be interested in our other post about 5 top swim spots in the Helford or our page with a map on it.

Look out for our next post… heading up around Gillan Creek to St Anthony-in-Meneage…

5 Water-based Adventures around the Lizard Peninsula

Posted on 05/12/202209/12/2022 by Nick at Number 7

Exploring the Lizard Peninsula and Helford Estuary

Are you an outdoorsy type of person? Do you love water-based adventures? Would you like to explore the stunning Lizard Peninsula / Helford Estuary part of Cornwall, but maybe from a different perspective? Would you like to see what this area may have to offer?

Cornwall is renowned for its rugged coastline, stunning surfing beaches and beautiful countryside. It is perhaps not surprising that Cornwall is now one of the UK’s top tourist destinations. It is also perhaps not surprising that it is an absolute haven for adventurous activities. You may be highly experienced on SUPper or kayaker, but local knowledge and advice can be absolutely invaluable to get the very best from a new area and turn your break into a magical holiday. Alternatively, you may like to use the opportunity to try something new.

If you’re an outdoor activity enthusiast you may enjoy some of the following:

1) Guided SUP adventures on the Helford River with Koru Kayaking

Drive down to Helford (there is a pay-and-display car park overlooking the estuary). Stroll down to the ferry landing site and be picked up by the lovely team from Koru Kayaking in their river launch. They will whisk you across the Helford Estuary to their base (where they have changing facilities, all the kit you will require and a cafe for the obligatory post-water snack). From there, they will take you on a magical kayak or SUP adventure. For beginners, they have the sheltered Port Navas Creek which is steeped in amazing history with beautiful river fronted houses and magical wooded smaller creeks. For experienced paddlers, they will take you to the famous Frenchman’s Creek or to the secluded beaches and cave near Durgan. The serene surroundings on calm waters are amazing with incredible history and wildlife in an area of outstanding natural beauty. On sunny days there may be an opportunity to swim in the soft waters of the creeks, before paddling back to their base.

Water-based adventures with Koru Kayaking — Koru Kayaking’s base

Water-based adventures on the Helford in November — Koru Kayaking’s base

2) A coastal adventure with Vertical Blue Adventures

Just around the corner, based in Porthleven is Vertical Blue Adventures. If you fancy getting “up close and personal” to the cliffs, coves and beaches of the Lizard Peninsula then the experienced instructors at Vertical Blue will take you on a range of adventures. Whether that be on a SUP, kayak or coasteering, they know this stretch of coastline inside out. They will take you on an adventure to remember. Vertical Blue also do a range of formal qualifications and training, so if you want to brush up on your SUP rescue techniques, or want to undertake your Coastal Sea Kayak Award, talk to the team at Vertical Blue.

3) Sunset SUP or “SUP like a local with” SUP in a bag

Forgot to bring your own kit? Want to hire a SUP for a few days? The lovely Amanda at SUP in a bag offers a range of services. She will come to you wherever you are staying and bring the kit for a great adventure. Alternatively, you can use your own kit and use her expert knowledge to guide you. Whether it be a Sunset paddle, a (Wildlife Safe Accredited) SUP Safari or a Go anywhere paddle, Amanda knows the best places to take you to give you a holiday to remember. Recent guests at Number 7 sang Amanda’s praises for the adventure she took them on. Amanda has been featured in the Independent’s ‘10 of the Best Paddleboarding Locations in the UK’ (2020) and featured in the Telegraph’s ‘Staycation Nation – 10 of the Best Activity Breaks for Summer’ (2020).

At any point we have a wishlist of Paddles, just waiting for the right company and conditions.
Amanda – SUP in a Bag

4) Family or Group water-based adventures with Lizard Adventure

With over 30 years of experience in outdoor adventure holidays for families, groups and individuals, the team at Lizard Adventure know how to create the perfect balance between safety and fun. Whether you’re looking for a gentle introduction or a complete adrenaline rush, all of their activities will give you memories that last a lifetime. Lizard Adventure run SUP adventures, rock climbing, sea kayaking, coasteering, SUP Yoga and Mega SUPing. They run adventures out of Mullion Cove, Cadgwith Cove, Lizard Point or Hayle Estuary (slightly further afield from Number 7). You can hire kit for a session or enjoy a guided adventure.

5) Sailing and water-based adventures on Trevassack Lake

If you fancy trying your hand at Sailing or SUPing in a calm and sheltered lake with full rescue cover, Just 4.5 miles away is Trevassack Lake. Here a team of qualified instructors are on hand to enthuse, support and encourage. The Activity Centre (The Children’s Sailing Trust Experiences) is run by a charity that creates accessible and affordable watersports and sailing opportunities for young people in Cornwall. The charity supports children through their schools or home education groups, helping them grow in confidence, competence and resilience – personal skills that last a lifetime.

Their commercial courses and sessions for groups, individuals and families are run on the Helford River and at Trevassack Lake. So with every swim, sail and SUP session you purchase, you’ll be helping Children’s Sailing Trust’s work to create opportunities for kids to get out on the water who wouldn’t otherwise get the chance. What is not to love about that? The team run multi-activity days, taster days, formal courses as well as hire of equipment. There is also a cafe on site offering a great family-friendly menu.

Whatever you choose to do, you can be assured of a cosy haven to return to at Number 7 In Cornwall. Oodles of warm water to shower or bathe in, a special area to wash off salty kit and even the essential “Wetsuit Washing Trug” await your return to base. Hang the wetsuits up as you rest your aching limbs after an enjoyable day of adventure whilst enjoying the view.

However you choose to spend your precious time off we hope you enjoy it!