Walk 2730 - printer friendly version

St Gennys & Castle Point from Crackington Haven Walk

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 3.0 miles / 4.9 km

Ascent - 900 feet / 273 metres

Grade - easy/mod

Start - OS grid reference SX143968
Lat 50.7410410 + Long -4.6332945
Postcode EX23 0JG (approx. location only)

The delightful Cornish village of Crackington Haven lies on a dramatic section of coast with the high cliffs formed from contorted rock formations. This walk visits the hamlet of St Gennys, with its attractive church, before continuing north to join the South West Coast Path National Trail. The route then continues along the Coast Path to Castle Point and Pencannow Point before descending back to the village. The walk uses well signed paths and is an energetic outing with plenty of uphill walking.

The start is the pay and display car park in Crackington Haven (grid ref. SX143968). In fine weather and during holiday periods space maybe at a premium so an early or late start is recommended. After parking, exit the car park towards the sea. Turn right along the lane passing the Coombe Barton Inn. Walk uphill along the lane for about 800 metres to the first road junction (grid ref. SX151967). Care is needed on this section with traffic on the narrow lane. Turn sharp left up a track that climbs steeply between hedges. Reaching a T-junction, turn left. You now can enjoy some wonderful north along the coast.

Continue along this lane towards St Gennys. The church rower soon comes into view as you reach a road junction (grid ref. SX149970). Continue straight ahead to the village centre and visit the Church. With your back to the church, turn left back the way you came. Walk past the small parking area on the left and take the narrow lane immediately after on your left. Continue along this lane which leads to St Gennys House. Do not enter the private drive and take footpath on the left through a kissing gate. Follow this path down across a footbridge to climb up to the South West Coast Path (grid ref. SX150976).

Turn left along the Coast Path soon reaching Castle Point. Another descent leads you down to cross a stream before the path zigzags up to gain the high ground once more. Continue along the Coast Path to reach Pencannow Point where it is worth walking along the spur path to enjoy the view. From here the Coast Path descends back down to Crackington Haven. Reaching the road, turn right and you will back at the start in a few minutes.

If you have the time and energy, you can continue to Walk 2731 and explore the coastal scenery to the south of Crackington Haven.

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