Cornwall

Porthcurno circular walk

Savour expansive sea views, Second World War defences and landmarks from the UK's communications history on this gentle circular walk along the Cornish coast.

View or download a print-friendly version of this trail

Total steps: 5

Start point

Porthcurno car park, Cornwall TR19 6JX. Grid ref: SW384225.

Step 1

From the car park at Porthcurno, head seaward down the footpath to a junction with a granite signpost.

Cove of horns

Porthcurno in Cornish means 'cove of horns', presumably from the strange cliff formations. The word 'porth', meaning cove, is often used for names on the Cornish coast and signifies a beach that's large enough to land a boat. It also signifies the entrance to a valley leading from the sea, like Porthleven, Porthpean or Porthtowan. The ancient Cornish language died out in the early 19th century but was revived in the early 20th century and is now spoken by enthusiasts all over the world, and taught in many Cornish schools.

Step 2

Turn left at the waymark, signed to Penberth, and follow the path up the hill.

Step 3

At the granite stile, turn right towards the coast.

Communication under your feet

Below Porthcurno beach lies a vital component of Britain's communications links with the rest of the world. In the 1800s, it became internationally famous as the British landing point for early submarine telegraph cables, the first of which was laid in 1870 as part of an early international link stretching from the UK to India. Fibre-optic communication cables linking into an international submarine network still land at this point.

A whitewashed, stone-built pyramid on the cliffs at Porthcurno, Cornwall, which marks the location of the submarine communcations cable — This pyramid marks the location of the submarine cable, at Porthcurno, Cornwall | © National Trust Images/Sue Brackenbury

Step 4

When you get to the pill box, turn right inland and stop to take in the views of the world-famous Minack open-air theatre built into the opposite cliff.

Minack Theatre

Minack means a rocky or stony place. Rowena Cade, originally from Cheltenham, lived at Minack House and in the 1920s invited amateur drama companies to stage productions in her garden. In the early 1930s, she decided to build an open-air theatre on the cliffs, and over a number of winters dragged materials up from the beach, or down from her house to construct it. She continued to take a great interest in the theatre until she died in 1983, aged 89. Productions there each summer have the magnificent backdrop of Porthcurno Bay and the Logan Rock.

Step 5

At the bottom of the hill, near to the Porthcurno relay hut, turn right onto the track and return to the car park.

End point

Porthcurno car park, Cornwall TR19 6JX. Grid ref: SW384225

Trail map

Map route for Porthcurno walk | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey

Turquoise waters and purple heather at Zennor Head, Cornwall

Trail

Zennor Head walk

About 7.5 miles (20 minutes' drive) from Levant, explore more of the coast nearby on this short walk along the Zennor headland, with beautiful scenery and rich wildlife.

The abandoned mine engine house of West Wheal Owles at Botallack, Cornwall

Trail

Botallack and Kenidjack coastal walk

Explore Cornwall's mining heritage and true Poldark country on the Tin Coast, taking in the Crowns engine houses, clifftop views and the chance to spot Cornish choughs.

Trail

Botallack mining walk

Discover Cornish mining heritage on this beautiful one mile walk around Botallack.

Sea view of Lizard Point and the lighthouse in the distance

Trail

Lizard Point walk: the most southerly place in Britain

Take in dramatic views of the Atlantic, visit the lighthouse and look out for local wildlife on this enjoyable walk around the most southerly point in Britain.

Porthcurno, Cornwall, TR19 6JX

01736761015

westcornwallcountryside@nationaltrust.org.uk

We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.

Visit website

A couple holding hands and wearing waterproof gear walk up a path covered in autumn leaves, with Lanhydrock house behind them

Walking in Cornwall

From strolls that reward you with stunning views of the South West coast to gentle inland meanders, these are some of the best walks in Cornwall.

Walking

Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.

Article

Staying safe at National Trust places

The special places in National Trust care sometimes come with a few risks for visitors, be it coastline or countryside. Find out how to keep safe throughout your visits.

A visitor carrying a backpack and walking along a footpath at Divis and the Black Mountain with stone walls either side, the countryside visible in the background.

Article

Follow the Countryside Code

Help to look after National Trust places by observing a few simple guidelines during your visit and following the Countryside Code.

A man and a woman enjoy the view whilst walking in the Peak District

Article

Cotswold Outdoor: our exclusive walking partner

Learn about the National Trust’s ongoing partnership with Cotswold Outdoor. Find out how they help us care for precious places and the exclusive discount available for National Trust supporters.

Areas A-Z

Things to do

Place types

Porthcurno circular walk

Total steps: 5