Section 2. Portloe to Megavissey - 12 miles - Cornish Coast Path

Distance 12 miles - Grade -  8.5 miles Strenuous and 3.5 miles easy - What these grades mean.

After breakfast in the timeless little hamlet at Portloe you walk straight into dramatic, wild and jagged coves, the only habitation en route the isolated little hamlets of West and East Portholland where a handful of cottages, fishing sheds and lime kilns are all that stands between you and the ocean.

The designated Eurobeach at Porthluney offers a fine respite from the cliffs and is perfect for a dip.

Inland enjoy great views of impressive Caerhays Castle and its gardens, built by John Nash who was also responsible for Buckingham Palace. If you are lucky the grounds, surrounded by woods leading to its own sandy beach, will be open for a visit.

The day continues with a challenging climb up to the granite cross at dramatic Dodman Point, the boundary of East and West Cornwall.

On a good day you can see over 100 miles of coastline from here, back to the Lizard but more significantly forward to the end of Cornwall and the end of our trails many days ahead!

On towards Mevagissey you pass the old fishing village of Gorran Haven, tucked tightly into the hillside above Little Perhaver Point, and the stunning former nunnery at Chapel Point. As isolated as you can get and certainly with heavenly views across St Austell Bay to Gribbin Head, 2 days walk away.

You enter Mevagissey via the former boat building cove at Portmellon with the well placed Rising Sun Inn and its a short walk onto an overnight in the fascinating working fishing village of Mevagissey with its maze of narrow backstreets, restaurants, pubs and harbourside to explore.

Click here to read about overnight stops in Mevagissey and information about The Lost Gardens of Heligan which can be visited on route along the Cornish Coast Path