Holiday Cottages in Davidstow - North Cornwall - Between Bodmin Moor and the North Cornwall Coast

PORT QUIN to/from Port Isaac

Map of Port Quin Walk 6 Miles (9.7km) 4 hrs Ascent 984 ft (300m)

Paths: Good coastal and field paths. Several sections of coast path run very close to unguarded cliff edges. May not be suitable for children and dogs. 14 stiles

Suggested Map: OS Explorer 106 Newquay and Padstow

Grid Reference: SW 999809

Parking: Port Isaac. Large car park on outskirts of village, can be busy in summer. Allowed on Port Isaac's stony beach, but this is tidal so check for tides. Small car park at Port Quin.



An exhilarating hike between two villages.

  1. Exit car park by lower terrace; turn L along track, keeping R where it branches ('Coast Path'). At road, keep ahead and down Fore Street to the Platt at entry to harbour. Just past Port Isaac Fishermen Ltd., turn R up Roscarrock Hill Lane ('Coast Path')
  2. At top of lane, pass footpath sign on L; shortly, keep to R of gateway to terrace of houses; bear R ('Coastal Footpath'). Follow path round Lobber Point.
  3. Descend to Pine Haven Cove; cross stile, (Wooden fence skirts along inside edge of path from here) Climb uphill and round edge of enormous gulf. Cross stile at end of fenced section and cross Varley Head. (Path ahead runs close to cliff edge and is fenced on inside)
  4. Beyond bench descend steep steps (Hand rail) into Downgate Cove and Reedy Cliff. Follow coast path up to seaward side of Kellan Head (steep) Continue along path to Port Quin.
  5. Turn L at Port Quin; go up road past car park entrance. At bend in road bear L ('Public footpath to Port Isaac'). Pass cottages and keep up slope to gate with stone stile (dogs under strict control). Follow path alongside hedge; climb to stile between 2 gates. Keep alongside R-H edge of next fields.
  6. Cross stile beside gate; turn L and follow L field edge to stile. Go L over stile; descend into wooded valley bottom. Cross footbridge over stream, then go over stile. Proceed and climb (steeply) through gorse to open field slope. Continue across field (no obvious path), aiming to L of pole that comes into view.
  7. Cross stone stile; follow hedged-in path downhill to junction with lane at point 2. Turn R and retrace steps to Port Isaac and on to car park.