Walk 2009 - printer friendly version

Gillan & Nare Point from Porthallow Walk

Author - Parc an Grouse Bed & Breakfast

Length - 4.7 miles / 7.6 km

Ascent - 650 feet / 197 metres

Grade - easy

Start - OS grid reference SW797231
Lat 50.067119 + Long -5.0797362
Postcode TR12 6PP (approx. location only)

Porthallow is a tiny fishing village on the eastern side of the Lizard peninsula. It provides a good starting point for this superb walk, which includes woodland and famland on the outward leg to Gillan Harbour. The latter village is quite close to the Helford River estuary and it is where the walk changes from a rural to a coastal excursion. The final stretch is an airy walk along the South West Coastal Path as you head back to the pretty cottages of Porthallow. Although this walk offers plenty of interest it is far less walked than many routes in this area.

From the car park in Porthallow (grid ref. SW797231) return to the main road and head inland ignoring the right turn to Manaccan. Continue past this road junction for a short way to take the footpath on your right just after you have crossed a stream and before a row of terraced cottages. The path crosses pleasant countryside climbing steadily but staying in the valley for nearly half a mile. Take the path to a stile and keep on the lower path that continues up the valley. The path crosses the stream in a small area of woodland before climbing out of the valley to reach a road.

Turn left and pass Treglossick farm on your right to reach a T junction where you turn right for Gillan. This quiet lane continues the rural theme with pleasant farmland on either side. Where the main road turns left head straight on down a farm track. This eventually leads down through a small wood to Gillan harbour where there is a good view across to Dennis Head and St Anthony-in-Meneage.

The return route follows the coastal path to Nare Point with superb views across the Helford River estuary and Falmouth Bay. There are often ships at anchor waiting for a berth in the busy port of Falmouth and in summertime there are many pleasure craft in this sheltered bay. Stay on the coastal path to reach Nare Head from where the small village of Porthallow can be seen in the distance.

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