Cornwall

St Agnes Head circular walk

This coastal walk passes the remains of a Second World War training camp, a National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) lookout, and acres of windswept heathland.

View or download a print-friendly version of this trail

Total steps: 6

Start point

Car park at St Agnes Head. Grid ref: SW702514.

Step 1

From the car park, head along the path that leads in a north-easterly direction. Follow it down to the coast path.

Cameron Camp ruins

During the Second World War, a light anti-aircraft training facility known as Cameron Camp was built on St Agnes Head. Named after a local landowner, it contained numerous buildings, some remains of which can still be seen today. The area is also covered by slit trenches, which are likely to have been made during training for the D-Day landings. After the war, the camp was used as a housing estate. However, by the early 1970s this had been bulldozed and the rubble used to backfill several old mineshafts.

Step 2

When you reach the coast path, turn left and walk in a westerly direction.

The wind-pruned heath

The cliffs between St Agnes Head and Porthtowan form one of the largest remaining tracts of heathland in Cornwall, most of the rest having been lost to agricultural use. The heath survives because the soils have been contaminated by the mining that previously took place here. The combination of soil conditions and salty winds blowing off the Atlantic means that few plants other than heathers can survive. Even these grow very slowly in the most exposed areas, where they develop a distinctive wave-like form. Specially adapted invertebrates live within this patchy heath, including a remarkable diversity of spiders.

Step 3

Continue along the coast path as it passes underneath the National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) lookout.

National Coastwatch Institution lookout

The first lookout here was probably established at the outbreak of the First World War in 1914. The present building, which we rebuilt, opened in 2009 and is leased to the NCI. A registered charity founded in Cornwall in 1994, the NCI now maintains over 40 stations and has more than 1,700 volunteer watchkeepers. They keep a visual watch, monitor maritime radio and radar signals, and record sea and weather conditions.

Step 4

After a slight incline, you'll reach a network of paths that lead back around to the car park. Looping back on yourself, take the path to the inland side of the one you've been on.

Step 5

Head in an easterly direction along the path, through the car park and then past the NCI lookout on the left. This path then joins a tarmac road.

Step 6

Continue along the tarmac road to the car park you set out from.

End point

Car park at St Agnes Head. Grid ref: SW702514.

Trail map

Trail

St Agnes Head Lookout Loop

A simple coastal stroll, with wide sea views, and an interesting stop off point at the National Coastwatch lookout.

Visitors walking a dog along the South West Coast Path at St Agnes Head, Cornwall

Trail

White Rocks to St Agnes Beacon loop

Follow this gentle stretch of South West Coast Path from St Agnes Head to the disused mine at Wheal Coates. Loop back inland and climb to the summit of St Agnes Beacon for far-reaching views over the North Cornwall coast before heading back to the starting point.

View over the beach at Chapel Porth, Cornwall

Trail

Chapel Porth to Towan Cross walk

Admire the colourful heathland and spot wildlife on this gentle walk along the Cornish coast.

Two people walking on the coast path above Towanroath Shaft pumping engine house, part of the Wheal Coates mine, near St Agnes, Cornwall

Trail

Wheal Coates tin mining walk

Explore the remnants of Wheal Coates's tin mining history, while taking in beautiful views of the Atlantic, on this short circular coastal walk.

St Agnes Head, Off Beacon Drive, St Agnes, Cornwall, TR5 0NU

01872552412

stagneshead@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

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.

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.

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.

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.

An aerial view of an adult and baby walking a dog along a path at Baggy Point, Devon

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.

Jagged cliffs at St Agnes Head jutting into the sea

Article

Things to do at St Agnes Head

Explore dramatic clifftop walking trails, discover Cornwall’s Dark Sky stargazing spots and visit a small beach that boasts its own signature ice cream.

Article

Visiting St Agnes Head with your dog

A guide to exploring St Agnes Head with your dog, where dogs are welcome year-round.

Two people run around in the shallow water on the sandy beach at Chapel Porth, Cornwall

Article

Things to do at Chapel Porth beach

Whether you're looking for birdlife, hunting for caves at low tide or 'bellyboarding' in the Atlantic waters, Chapel Porth beach has a lot to offer.

Areas A-Z

Things to do

Place types

St Agnes Head circular walk

Total steps: 6