A Cornwall Bucket List: Beaches and Outdoor Edition
It feels like forever since I wrote a blog post about Cornwall. I’ve been writing about Cornwall for a couple of years, but since the pandemic, I’ve been faced with the difficult argument between “promote for the future but don’t encourage visitors to get in their car and drive to Cornwall now.” Covid-19 will change the way we travel, and I do not doubt that staycations will be on the rise when travel and hospitality restrictions are lifted. In the meantime, I’m dreaming about the places that are on my Cornish Bucket List (an outdoor edition!)
A Hike to Lantic Bay
Lantic Bay has been at the very top of my Cornish Bucket list for at least two years! The picturesque bay is located near Fowey and owned by the National Trust. From pictures, the bay looks like a mini tropical paradise, sheltered by cliffs covered in gorse and hawthorns. I’ve read a few reviews of this beach and it sounds like an incredible place for a remote adventure. From my research, I’ve learned that you have to take a steep 20 minutes hike, starting in the carpark located a mile east Poluran.
Adventures to Portheras Cove
So I’m not sure if I should include this on the bucket list because I have actually been before! I ended up at Portherras Cove by complete accident last year and I must say, it was absolutely breathtaking. A friend and I were exploring West Cornwall and had already spent the morning at the Gurnards Head before taking a walk along the coastline and coming across the bridge that led us to the beach. Portheras is pretty remote, but most hidden gems in Cornwall are. It’s not easy to find, but it’s well worth the adventure. The picture I took below really says it all!
Wild swimming at Goldiggins Quarry
I’ve lived in Cornwall for 25 years but I have never been to Bodmin Moor. Crazy right!? Located on Bodmin Moor, you’ll find Goldiggins Quarry just 25 minutes away from Hurlers carpark. The quarry lake is tucked away in a grassy amphitheatre but has been described as one of the best places to go for a wild swim, thanks to its crystal clear waters and waterfall. This is definitely a spot I would like to explore more this summer.
Sacred Cave at Holywell Bay
The sacred spring, also known as St Cubherts Cave, is located on the south side of Kelsey Head and accessed at low tide from Holywell. This cave is known to have healing powers, and people have been known to travel from far and wide for its water. Inside the cave, you’ll find green and red walls and basins, created from the limestone and calcite in the rock.
*Image below source - Cornwall Live
Waterfalls at St Nectans Glen
I love a good waterfall, therefore St Nectans Glen (St Nectans Kleive) has been on my radar for a while. St Nectans Glen is located near Tintagel (North Cornwall) and looks like something out of a magical fairytale. An area of natural beauty, the woodland area is home to a sixty-foot waterfall and a couple of smaller waterfalls. Head to the St Nectans Glen website for more info and images.
Song of the Sea at Nanjizal Beach
So as far as I’m aware, it takes about an hour to walk to Nanjizal from Lands End. You’ll have to park here and follow the route as there aren’t any closer parking spots. Nanjizel is home to the famous Song of the Sea, a tall, narrow arch that creates a stream of light when the sun hits. This little corner of Cornwall has been on my bucket list for quite some time and I am adamant that I will tick it off this year.