Experience Newquay
Gannel Estuary and Crantock walk
An almost circular walk starting from Trenance Gardens in Newquay and proceeding along the River Gannel before heading inland to the pretty village of Crantock. Take time to visit the picturesque Norman church, all that remains of a once much larger religious settlement/college founded by St Carantoc in the 5th Century. You'll also find the Old Albion Inn, a thatched pub which was once so they say, notorious as a centre for smuggling!
From the village continue onwards towards the secluded sandy bay of Porth or Polly Joke. You can then take the cliff path through the nature reserve and around the headland to the long, sandy Crantock Beach. Walking along the beach or along the sand-dunes you can return to your starting point via the Gannel Estuary. The beautiful salt marshes provide refuge for a wide variety of plants, animals and birds. There are several spots of interest along the way such as Reeds Boatyard, which in the 19th century was an active boatbuilding yard and Penpol Creek, a beautiful tree lined valley also well worth a meander through.
Distance? Around 5 miles
Time? Allow around 3 hrs
Amenities? Fern Pit Cafe on the Newquay side of the Gannel. There is the Fern Pit ferry to get you there should the tide be in! Various options in Crantock village
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