We started at the NT car park at Carnewas (along the north Cornish coast half-way between Padstow and Newquay) where there is a lovely tea-room which is open throughout the summer months. From here you cannot see anything of the coastline. Well established paths lead you through the gorse on a detour to the cliffs from where you have amazing views of the cliffs in both directions, along to Trevose Head and the spectacular sea stacks at Bedruthan beach and south towards Mawgan Porth.



After admiring the views return to the main path and continue down the wide steps to the bottom where you have good views over the beach when there is a low tide, or the waves crashing over the rocks when there isn’t.
I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky,
~ John Masefield
When the tide is out you can take the steep stone beach steps to access the beach. (These steps are closed from November and there is no swimming from this beach because of the currents).
The rest of the route includes slopes, steps and unfenced cliff top, none of which are attractive to the OH, so we returned to the café for a cool glass of ginger beer.

There is no record of the name “Bedruthan Steps” before 1847, but it is thought to have originally referred to one of the two cliff staircases to access Carnewas mine (presumably the one nearer to the village of Bedruthan). The name later also became used for the name of the beach itself.
The legend of Bedruthan Steps was invented for Victorian tourism, said to be taken from a mythological giant (Bedruthan) who used the rocks as stepping stones. These were formed after the last Ice Age, when rising sea levels eroded the surrounding soft shales to leave the harder rocks as islands. Each of the 5 rock stacks has a name (Queen Bess, Samaritan Island, Redcove Island, Pendarves Island and Carnewas Island). This is a very short walk, but can be extended if you continue along the south-west coastal path to Porth Mear or in the other direction to Mawgan Porth returning through the countryside.
If you enjoy a walk, short or long, then you may enjoy visiting Jo’s Monday Walk where you are in for a treat.
Do you happen to know what the flowers are?
Coincidence: yesterday I saw a rather strange movie in which sections of the overture to Tristan und Isolde were played several times. The coincidence is that that opera takes place partly in Cornwall.
It’s thrift Steve – more photos here: https://smallbluegreenwords.wordpress.com/2013/11/15/spring-in-north-devon/
it grows all around this south-western coastline in extremely poor soil, but is very pretty.
Love the Bedruthan Steps, never knew the legend behind them. 🙂 I’m sure I’m being dim here but what is OH? 😦
the Other Half – Himself – Hubby – he whom I drag along 😉
Well of course! That makes sense! Why didn’t I think of that?
Amazing colours of the sea “looking down”, and a beautiful piece of coastline. The foregrounded flowers make a great composition. Makes me think I might like to see my sea again.
Oh, I envy you living by the sea.
I love walking along the cliffs, looks like it’s time I went back to Cornwall, haven’t been there for a few years, I used to take my son when he was a baby we stayed in Camelford.
Have you had any luck in your house search.
Nothing so far Kev. After being gazumped before Christmas I went off the idea. But maybe it is time to have another dip in the market.
About time you left the shire and came to that great metropolis of Cardiff to see the arcades, I’ll even buy you a cuppa.
I may well take you up on that 🙂
What a fabulous walk, Jude! The cliff views are amazing, and I can just feel the cool breeze from the sea! This is a place I’ve always dreamed of going. Maybe someday… 🙂
It is an appealing destination Cathy. Not long before your new adventure begins!
Yes, it’s coming up soon, Jude, and I have to say I’m getting a little nervous!!
Some great shots of that beautiful Cornish coast, Jude.
Thanks Lynne. So much of Cornwall’s coastline is beautiful, especially when the sun is shining 🙂
Beautiful coast via your lens! The third one is stunning.
I adore Cornwall so long as there’s a least a glimpse of sea and surf…
I agree. The towns and villages are not so picturesque. But the coastline makes up for that.
Beautiful photos! I visited Cornwall last year for the first time and absolutely loved it. The bays were so pretty. I really liked Bedruthan Steps and also Lantic Bay.
We love Cornwall too and have been considering moving there, but haven’t had much success yet! On the other hand, I was very taken with Norfolk AND it is flatter! Any thoughts?
It’s definitely flat; being from Yorkshire originally, I do miss hills. It’s a great county though; The Broads are a real asset in summer and we do have some lovely beaches in North Norfolk.
That said I still have hopes of living in Fowey, Cornwall, one day. Waking up for coffee by the harbour sounds pretty good plus I love the cream teas 🙂
Nice to meet another Yorkshire lass 🙂 I know what you mean about hills – lovely to look at, sadly at my age, more difficult to walk up! Too many cream teas! Living on the Welsh borders I have to admit is very pretty, and green 🙂
My eldest son (who lives in Sydney – another place I believe you know well) has also fallen for the charms of Fowey! A bit too steep for me I’m afraid.