Porthcothan

Porthcothan is a lovely sandy bay with a small stream running across a fine golden sandy beach, which is sheltered by sand dunes and craggy headlands. At low tide the beach opens out, connecting up with small coves, and at high tide the beach becomes very sheltered from swell and winds due to the cliffs. Today, the National Trust owns much of the land around the cove, and there is a car park and toilets operated by the local council. A popular beach with families, the lifeguard season dates from May - September. In days gone by, this cove was the haunt of smugglers, who were able to land their contraband safely and in secret. The footpath over the southern headland leads to Porth Mear, another secluded cove beyond which, on a low plateau, is a prehistoric earthwork of banks and ditches.

Porthcothan is part of the ‘seven bays for seven days’ grouping of beaches. These include Constantine, Trevone, Harlyn and Treyarnon, which are all very close by.