04 Mar Getting outdoors in St. Agnes Parish
Cornwall has long been known for its fantastic outdoor space – the beautiful sandy beaches, surf-friendly sea and miles upon miles of walking and hiking paths. But as we look towards spring and better weather, what can you try in our stunning parish this year that combines the beauty of the area with getting outdoors?
Get into the sea!
Whether it’s surfing, SUPing, coasteering, kayaking or wild swimming, the coast of St. Agnes parish gives locals and visitors alike the opportunity to get into the sea and see the world from a different perspective.
We have four beaches in the parish – Porthtowan, Chapel Porth, Trevaunance Cove and Trevellas Porth and all have their own charm and activities. If you love to swim, this part of Cornwall is a lovely place to experience many different types of beach and swimming conditions.
We are also lucky to have three surfing beaches within the parish – Porthtowan and Chapel Porth offering some great surf for more experienced surfers, or Trevaunance Cove for those who might be with kids or looking to try surfing or body boarding for the first time. Always check conditions prior to entering the water and take advice from the RNLI lifeguards at Trevaunance, Porthtowan and Chapel in summer months.
Koru Kayaking offer guided kayak tours of the St. Agnes coastline, giving you the chance to see the coastline from the sea and perhaps spy a seal or two! SUP in a Bag can provide paddle board rental as well as guided tours of the coast and weekend adventures if you want to really immerse yourself into the SUP lifestyle.
Coastal Rush coasteering combines climbing, scrambling, swimming and cliff jumping along the beautiful coastline, and each session includes all equipment, insurance and guided instruction. A fantastic adventure for friends or family![/vc_column_text]
Play on the beach
There is nothing better than family time on the beach and there is plenty to do for all the family. All of the beaches within the parish provide excellent rock-pooling opportunities (as well as rock-jumping but please be careful!) and many an hour can be whiled away playing football, cricket or volleyball on the warm sand.
Whilst Trevellas is more remote and a bit of a hike to the nearest cafes, the other three beaches within the parish all have toilets, cafes and restaurants nearby so are perfect for a day at the seaside.
Get on your bike
Aggie Cycles provides bike hire and sales from the heart of St. Agnes, as well as tuition for safe road cycling. They are really knowledgeable on cycling within the area and can give you some great options for routes.
We are a cycle-friendly parish and we have just been confirmed as one of the new cycle routes on the All Saints Trails, taking cyclists from St. Agnes village, through the countryside and into Truro. This might be a year or two off of building but the parish will welcome the addition of a new trail for cyclists and walkers.
Get your trainers or hiking books on
Cornwall has long been a walkers paradise and the parish of St. Agnes provides some fantastic walking opportunities. From the South West Coast Path through to meanders through the villages, there is something for everyone.
Walk up from St. Agnes village to the St. Agnes Beacon to see for miles, or start in Mount Hawke and make your way through woods and mine workings down to the beach at Porthtowan – we are lucky enough to have woods, beaches, cliffs and architecture dotted around the parish, as well as the World famous Wheal Coates mining area which not only gives you the chance to look around the ruins, but also offers some beautiful views (and sunsets!)
Cornwall Council has just changed the rules around dogs on beaches, so from 2020 Porthtowan as a Blue Flag beach will allow dogs from 1st October-14th May at all times and before 10am or after 6pm during the summer months. Trevaunance Cove and Trevellas are both dog friendly year-round, and Chapel will have a dog ban in place 1st July-31st August between 10am-6pm.
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