Category: Walking

Coastal running – #behere with Beach Retreats

The first in a series on blog posts on coastal running in Cornwall. Challenging trails. Spectacular coastline. And no iPod. Why you’ll turn your back on road running forever.

“You only have to look at the scenery here to see the appeal of running along the coast path,” says keen trail runner Helen Clare as we lace up our running shoes.

We’re on the North Cornish coast about to tackle a 30-minute circular route for my first foray into coastal running, and I’m a little nervous.
The 3.6 mile round trip is rated easy to moderate on the South West Coast Path’s website, but I’m not convinced. My 20-minute jogs around the flat local park seem like little preparation.

Starting from our holiday home at Watergate Bay, the plan is to follow the two-mile stretch of golden sand southwards to Porth Beach, before climbing up onto Trevelgue head and back along the coastal path to where we started off.

From a physical point of view, coastal running can be more challenging on your legs, core and cardiovascular system, but the softer surfaces are a lot easier on your feet. And as we step as step out the door, my fears are immediately diminished by a cool sea breeze. I’m confronted with a vista of endless blue skies, a beautiful expanse of beach, and barely another soul around.
“It’s about making most the most of the landscape on your doorstep,” says Helen as we start off. I notice there’s no iPod strapped to her body. “Why, when you can absorb the natural surroundings – listening to the birds, the wind and waves?”

I can see Helen’s yoga background coming into play. There are other reasons too which remove coastal running far away from its tarmacked counterpart. “Coastal running is more about freedom, being relaxed and not running against a clock.”
My mind starts clears as we reach the half way point – an almost meditative state. Wondering where that split in the path leads? There’s nothing stopping you to change your route and go exploring. Feeling tired? Then walk for a stretch, or turn around and head back home. No one’s judging.

The terrain along the coastal paths in Cornwall is so varied that you can choose how challenging you want your run to be. And god. Those views. I’m so engaged the whole way that I barely notice how long we’ve been running for when I find myself back where we started.

Later, after we’ve showered the sand and salt out of our hair, we make our way to dinner overlooking the beach and fall into our seats. Exhausted, happy, and exhilarated.

Fancy staying in a holiday retreat with a hot tub? Check out our cottages with a hot tub for a relaxing getaway.

And the best thing? It didn’t really feel like exercise at all.
We stayed at The Village with Beach Retreats, a development of eco-houses built into the hill above the beach at Watergate Bay.

Fancy staying in Watergate Bay? Check out our luxury holiday properties in Watergate Bay, Newquay.

Hit the coastal trails with Beach Retreats’ guide to invigorating seaside running experiences.

We joined professional yoga instructor and trail runner Helen Clare at www.helenclareyoga.com

Walk through – Porthleven

This unspoilt fishing village on Cornwall’s south coast is a place for all seasons. Its for ice cream-filled strolls in the summer and spray-flying storm-watching in the winter.

Discover our Porthleven holiday properties.

A happy mix of working village and holiday spot, the historic fishing harbour of Porthleven boasts being the most southerly working port in the UK, located between the Lizard Peninsula and Penzance.

Interested in staying in our most luxurious holiday cottages? Check out our luxury coastal cottages.

Come summer you’ll find children crabbing and jumping from the harbour wall, and at winter it’s up to The Ship Inn, an old fisherman’s pub built into the rocks at the entrance of the harbour, to watch the waves breaking over the iconic clock tower and pier.

We started our walk on Peverell Road and past The Atlantic Inn – nab the seats outside for a sundowner with spectacular views across the village and the sea to Penzance.

Snaking down the road you’ll see signs for the National Trust’s Penrose Estate and Loe Pool, the largest natural freshwater lake in Cornwall cut off from the sea by a shingle bar heaped by the heavy Atlantic seas. This is a great spot for nature watching, walking and running, well away from any main roads.

The main beach is patrolled by RNLI Lifeguards and in the summer is a sun trap thanks to large sea defences. This is the place to BBQ your freshly caught fish. Or if you’re unlucky like us, you’ll find locally caught fish available from Quayside Fish, voted Britain’s Best Fishmonger, on Fore Street.

Continuing on the theme of food you’ll find everything you need to eat and drink right on your doorstep here. The opening of Rick Steins Fish & Seafood in October last year firmly put Porthleven on the map as a foodie destination. But it would be a crying shame to miss out on the other great restaurants including Kota, Kota Kai, The Square Porthleven, SeaDrift Kitchen Café and Amelies.

Meanwhile, The Corner Deli serves breakfast, lunch and wood-fired pizzas on certain evenings, or pick up your own cheese and bread for a picnic on the beach. No visit is complete without going to Nauti But Ice serving more than 25 flavours of Roskilly’s organic ice cream from its Jersey herd and farm on the Lizard. Origin Coffee Roasters also opened The Brew House in 2014 as a place to experience Origin’s speciality coffee at its very best. Don’t forget pub grub at The Harbour or the two fish and chip shops too.

All this sets the scene for a burgeoning food festival. Porthleven Food & Music Festival sees a strong line up of recognised chefs. Save the date in April.

Discover what to see and do in Porthleven with our guide, showcasing its scenic beauty, vibrant culture, and culinary delights along the Cornish coast.

See our holiday cottages in Porthleven.

Walk Through – The Gannel and Crantock

Gannel

The Gannel Estuary, North of Fistral and Pentire Point, is a tidal river that you can explore by foot, kayak or canoe, bike or horseback.

No longer navigable, it was once used to pole barges upriver carrying coal, timber or sand to distribute inland. Today there are still traces of boatyards, moorings and derelict craft.

Interested in staying in our most luxurious holiday cottages? Check out our luxury coastal cottages.

Beyond the boats, The Gannel Estuary is home to an abundance of wildlife, from wading birds such as Egrets to fish such as bass and sea trout, so be sure to take your binoculars and spot the local wildlife.

Gannel

We visited The Gannel Estuary at low tide and walked towards Crantock Beach, but not before we stopped off at the Fern Pit Cafe and had a Cornish crab sandwich and some homemade cake.

Fern Pit Cafe on East Pentire headland overlooks Crantock Beach and The Gannel, boasting stunning views across the beach. It’s also home to the tropical path leading towards the ferry boathouse.

Want to stay in Crantock, Newquay near to Fistral and Watergate? Have a look at our properties in Crantock.

The ferry boathouse, at the bottom of a steep path, provides access between Newquay and Crantock Beach at high tide, between 10am and 6pm. When the tide is out there is a foot bridge which can be used free of charge.

Either way you choose to travel, you’ll arrive on the stunning beach of Crantock. Here you can sit back, relax or explore and play until the sun goes down.

The Gannel Estuary and Crantock are so close to Fistral Beach, why not visit whilst on holiday with Beach Reatreats.

Discover the scenic walk from Crantock to a mystery location, exploring hidden gems and stunning coastal vistas along the way in Cornwall.

TAKE A LOOK AT OUR PROPERTIES IN FISTRAL

Walk Through – Portreath, Cornwall

We visited Portreath, a peaceful village around 45 45-minute drive down the coast from Beach Retreats headquarters. Evidence of Portreath’s history as one of Cornwall’s first industrial ports can be seen around the village.

Portreath Bakery is owned by the niece of one of the last fishermen to work out of the harbour. Their famous heavy cake was taken out to sea to sustain the fishermen during their trips.

Today the bakery is has an excellent reputation across Cornwall and nationally. And it is easy to see why from their tempting treats.

While traditional pasties can be bought alongside artisan breads. Walking down to the beach along the inner basin which was constructed in the 19th Century. Where you will find a pub on a beach, The Waterfront Inn.

Discover Portreath’s no-drive delights, where relaxation and adventure await just steps away from your doorstep along the stunning Cornish coast.

And a typically perfect Cornish beach, popular with surfers, bodyboarders and kayakers. As well and sandcastle creators and sunseekers.

Fancy staying in Portreath? Check out our Portreath holiday retreats.

Walk Through St Agnes

A picturesque walk through the village and around the coast.

St Agnes is a postcard Cornish village steeped in tin mining history. Nestled on the north coast of Cornwall, the seemingly sleepy town offers a relaxing spot for a self-catering family holiday. Discover inspiring coastal walks and independent shops; including greengrocers and butchers, and an array of places to eat. Wander the winding streets to find your favourite cafe, restaurant or brewery tucked away – hidden from the crowds.

Discover more of what St Agnes has to offer and explore our St Agnes holiday cottages.

The town is only a short walk away from our properties in St Agnes. Although a small town, you can find everything you need while on holiday. From greengrocers, butchers, a spa (for recharging your batteries), and a gift shop (to take home a slice of Cornwall.

Fancy staying in a holiday retreat with a hot tub? Check out our cottages with a hot tub for a relaxing getaway.

The Sorting Office, opposite the hairdressers, is the perfect place to stop for a morning coffee or afternoon cake. The delicious bakes are all homemade by a local family company called Rustic Cakes.

From the town, you can follow a pathway down to Trevaunance Cove. A sandy cove, with waterfront cafes, a pub and brewery, Trevaunance is popular with families, walkers and stand-up paddle boarders. On the beach, Koru Kayaking offer equipment hire and tours around Cornwall’s historic coast. Explore hidden sea caves, see the coast from a different perspective and spot a seal or two! For those who enjoy the ground beneath their feet, from Trevaunance Cove you can follow the coastal path through the gardens and up the cliff to Blue Hills.

Blue Hills still feels like an undiscovered part of Cornwall. Scattered with engine houses, chimneys and tine mines, walk in ancient miner’s footsteps as you descend the coastal path.

Take a captivating walk through Perranporth, exploring its expansive sandy beach, rugged cliffs, and vibrant seaside atmosphere along the Cornish coast.

Named after the blue and purple heather, which grows on the wild clifftops, Blue Hills provides a tranquil spot for a family picnic and soaking-up the views. At low tide, there is a small sandy cove and plenty of rockpools to explore. From this part of the coast, you can experience some amazing Cornish sunsets. Dine alfresco and discover your new kitchen on the beach with a family barbecue.

Book your self-catering family holiday in St Agnes.