Padstow and Stepper Point Walk
5.8 miles (9.4km) as listed by the South West Coast Path ·
About
The South West Coast Path's own Padstow and Stepper Point Walk is 5.8 miles (9.4km), rated moderate, and starts at the harbour. It climbs past the war memorial, follows the path above the beach past St George's Well and the Napoleonic fortifications at Gun Point, and turns round Harbour Cove to Hawker's Cove, where the lifeboat was once stationed. Then it goes out to the quarry and the daymark tower on Stepper Point, with Pepper Hole and Butter Hole, sea-cut sinkholes, beside the path, before coming back by Lellizzick and Harbour Cove. There is a shorter version that turns inland at Harbour Cove and drops back to Padstow along Tregirls Lane, Church Street and Duke Street. At low tide the sand on this side of the estuary runs almost out to the Doom Bar.
Highlights
- ✓Gun Point's Napoleonic fortifications
- ✓Harbour Cove's sands at low tide
- ✓The daymark tower on Stepper Point
- ✓Pepper Hole and Butter Hole sinkholes
- ✓A shorter route back along Tregirls Lane
Tips
- →The coast path listing says it is an excellent walk for children in spring, when the bushes are in blossom.
- →Hawker's Cove has a tea garden, Rest a While, at the back of the old Coastguard Houses, according to the route description; check it is open.
- →The coast path listing suggests parking in the Harbour car park in Padstow, or at Rock Quarry car park if you cross by ferry.
