Exploring Porth

Winter view of Towan beach at Roseland, Cornwall — Winter scene at Towan beach, Roseland, Cornwall | © National Trust Images/Harry Davies

Head to the beach, go for a walk, spot seasonal wildlife and explore the area. Porth is near the tip of the Roseland peninsula, with sea on one side and a creek on the other. From here, you can take in spectacular views from a network of footpaths including the South West Coast Path, or watch the waves roll in on a stroll along the sandy beach.

Go walking at Porth

Pull on your walking boots, wrap up warm and stride out for a bracing coastal adventure. Porth is right on the South West coast path, with a real choice of walks for all abilities.

Stroll through the woods around Froe Creek and Percuil, cut through to Bohortha and St Anthony Head, or head along the coast to Portscatho.  Choose your route and take in all that Roseland has to offer including woodland, farmland, sea and quay,

Towan beach, Roseland, Cornwall in October — Towan beach, Cornwall in October | © National Trust Images/Hilary Daniel

Spot seasonal wildlife at Porth

The seas around Porth are full of interesting creatures. Take time to peep into the rock pools, or sit on the beach and see what bird and marine life is around you.

See the seals safely

The seals often pop their heads up through the waves, but please try to keep the noise down if you come across them when they're hauled out on land.

Follow our top tips to watch seals safely without disturbing them

Grey seal in July at Gull Rock, Roseland, Cornwall — Grey seal swimming in July at Gull Rock | © National Trust Images/Harry Davies

Soak up the history

There is evidence that Porth has been a farming settlement for at least 700 years, old records show that a settlement called Pord was first recorded here in 1322. Those buildings have now long disappeared, replaced most recently with the 19th-century buildings which are now converted into tenanted homes, holiday cottages, café and toilets.

Exterior of Porth Farm House, Roseland, Cornwall in July — Porth Farm House, Roseland, Cornwall in July | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

How to get to Porth

Porth is easy to walk to along the coast path from Gerrans and Portscatho. If you are travelling by car you’ll need to navigate narrow lanes with lots and twists and turns before arriving to park up in one of two parking areas.

Once a very quiet corner of Cornwall, the area can now get very busy and we ask drivers to park with care and respect our neighbours.