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Westward Ho! to Padstow South West Coast Path

Your Walking Holiday Route along the North Coast

Section 7. Port Isaac to Padstow - Cornwall Coast Path

Distance 12 miles - Grade Strenuous (9 miles) and Easy (3 miles) - what these grades mean

Port Isaac overnight stop on the Long Distance South West Coast Path Cornwall England

Leaving Port Isaac you quickly come to Port Quinn, virtually abandoned in the early years of the last century you can still evidence of its derelict cottages. Tales of a terrible storm at sea, a smuggling disaster, even a result of fishing on the Sabbath, no verifiable reason exists for the village that died, though a decline in fish stocks may be the more likely answer!

On beyond more remoteness with Lundy Hole, a deep chasm left after the power of the sea demolished a cave roof. Locally it's said to be a terrible hole made by the devil as he jumped to avoid a comb flung at him by a frightened St Minver. Past the gothic folly at Doyden Pont to Pentire point where the extensive views of the Camel Estuary and the offshore Mouls rocks are said to be the best on the whole 630 mile South West Coast Path.

Right on the wild headland don't miss the twin peaks of the Rumps where there is always the chance to spot grey seals or maybe even puffin. Outstanding remains of an Iron Age fort are protected here by ramparts and ditches at the base of this unusual fishtail shaped headland.

On into the Camel Estuary passing the Bronze Age Barrow at Brea Hill and the chance to visit the little crooked spired church at St Endoc, burial place of John Betjeman where the vicar had to enter via a skylight due to church being besieged by shifting sands.

Your coastal pilgrimage ends on the 600 year old passenger ferry to Padstow crossing the Doom bar a sandbank said to be cursed by a mermaid wounded by a fisherman who thought she was a seal.

St Endocs Church near Padstow on the South West Coast Path Holiday

As you reflect on your journey spare a thought for the 300 vessels sunk on the bank as well as the 3 lifeboats lost trying to save them.

Alight in the bustle of Padstow for an overnight stay in this cosmopolitan centre with plenty of options to celebrate, from eating out at Rick Steins to that time honoured favourite of fish and chips on the harbour wall.

Click here to read about Padstow as this overnight stop on the South West Coast Path

 

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