Chapel Porth, St Agnes, Cornwall, TR5 0NS
Chapel Porth Beach
Beach
Place photograph
6.3
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Check
Cost
Dramatic
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.3Cliffs, caves and a sandy shore make Chapel Porth more than a quick beach stop: it is also a starting point for a dramatic stretch of the South West Coast Path, past the old engine houses at Wheal Coates towards St Agnes.
Chapel Porth earns its place for the combination of sandy shore, cliff-backed coastline and nearby coastal-path walking. Its appeal is in moving between the beach and the exposed headland landscape, rather than treating it as just a place to sit by the sea.
Dramatic · Wild
Find your way
Open mapChapel Porth, St Agnes, Cornwall, TR5 0NS
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The experience
Explore the beach and its cliff-backed setting, or use Chapel Porth as a starting point for a longer coastal walk. Beach access and coast paths can be uneven or steep; check conditions and current information before setting out.
Things to do
Explore the beach
Visit the sandy beach beneath the cliffs. Access onto the beach is very uneven, so take care and check conditions before going down.
1–2 hours
Walk the coast path towards Wheal Coates and St Agnes
Follow the South West Coast Path from Chapel Porth towards St Agnes, passing the old engine houses at Wheal Coates. The described circular route is 6.1 miles and moderately steep.
More than 3 hours
Make a day of it
Quick escape · 1–2 hours
Beach and cliffside pause
- 01
Visit the beach from Chapel Porth car park, checking the tide and conditions before heading onto the shore.
- 02
Take in the cliff-backed coastal setting and explore accessible parts of the beach only where conditions permit.
- 03
Return to the car park; beach access is described as very uneven.
Half day · Half day
Coastal path to Wheal Coates
- 01
Start at Chapel Porth and follow the South West Coast Path towards St Agnes.
- 02
Pass the old mine buildings at Wheal Coates and enjoy the changing views over the coast.
- 03
Allow time for steep and uneven sections; check route conditions and plan your return before setting out.
Full Wildland day · Full day
Chapel Porth to St Agnes coastal day
- 01
Begin at Chapel Porth and walk the coast path towards St Agnes, passing Wheal Coates and continuing towards Trevaunance Cove.
- 02
The sourced circular walk is described as 6.1 miles, moderate, and more than three hours; check the route details and conditions before departure.
- 03
Allow extra time to pause at the coast and in St Agnes; confirm any food or venue opening details separately.
Verified history
The coast-path walk from Chapel Porth towards St Agnes passes the engine houses at Wheal Coates, a visible reminder of Cornwall’s mining history. The supplied sources do not establish further dates or historical detail, so these are not added here.
Hidden details
Wheal Coates above the breakers — On the coastal walk towards St Agnes, look for the old engine houses at Wheal Coates, set above the sea.
When to go
April · May · June · September · Go earlier in the day for a quieter walk; check the forecast and tide conditions before travelling.
Spring is noted as a good time for the coast path, with gorse flowers along the route. The beach and exposed paths are weather-dependent.
The coast is exposed and paths can be steep and uneven. Check the weather, tide and local conditions before setting out.
The route
- surface
- Coastal paths; exact surface not specified
- distance
- 6.1 miles for the Chapel Porth to St Agnes circular walk
- duration
- More than 3 hours
- difficulty
- Moderate; steepness described as moderate
- route shape
- Circular walk, according to the route listing
- start point
- Chapel Porth Beach
- parking start
- Chapel Porth car park; charges apply for non-members. Check current details.
- shorter alternative
- Visit the beach and walk a short section of the coast path, turning back when appropriate; no measured shorter route is supplied.
- Chapel Porth Beach
- Wheal Coates engine houses
- Trevaunance Cove
Worth pairing with
Wheal Coates and the St Agnes coast path
A worthwhile extension from Chapel Porth, with a route past the old engine houses towards St Agnes and Trevaunance Cove.
What to look for
- 01
Look for the caves and cliffs described in the source listing, and the old engine houses at Wheal Coates on the coast-path walk towards St Agnes. Only explore caves where access is safe and permitted
- 02
check tides and conditions before entering.
The story
Industry
Best time to go
Spring and early summer for coastal-path walking and gorse in flower; choose a clear, calm day for views along the coast. Check local conditions before setting out.
Spring is a good time to walk the coast path, when gorse may be in flower. For a quieter visit, consider going outside peak beach hours; coastal weather and sea conditions change quickly.
How long to spend
1–2 hours; half day with a coastal walk
Perfect for
Walkers · Photographers · Families
Before you go
Address
Phone
Website
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
A beach on the South West Coast Path, with a car park nearby. The National Trust describes access onto the beach as very uneven and the paths up the valley and along the coast as steep. Check current access and parking information before visiting.
Check before visiting
Parking
Car park at Chapel Porth. Charges apply for non-members; payment is available through JustPark or machines. Check current arrangements before travelling.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Toilets are listed by the National Trust; an accessible toilet is also listed. Check availability before visiting.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
A tenant-run café is listed by the National Trust. Check opening times before visiting.
Check before visiting
Dogs
Dogs are allowed, with a seasonal beach restriction from 1 July to 31 August, 10am–6pm. Check current local rules before visiting.
Check before visiting
Accessibility
The car park is fairly level, with views over the beach and access to the café. Access onto the beach is very uneven, with steep paths up the valley and onto the coast paths. An accessible toilet and designated parking are listed.
Cost
Paid parking for non-members; check current details
Check before visiting
Water
Sea
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Chapel Porth Beach
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
