Southwest coastal walks: Fishing Cove, near Godrevy, north Cornwall

Though it’s just a few hundred metres from a car park, Fishing Cove is as secluded a beach as any in the book – as the naturists and skinny-dippers to be found strolling its soft, golden shore on sunny afternoons and evenings would no doubt testify. The reason behind its secretiveness is one of geography. The access path down to the beach is steep and as slippery as the seals that often swim up to bask on the sand – and it isn’t one you should attempt if you’re at all afraid of heights. Our suggested walk is a simple one, but it’s not for the faint-hearted.

Getting there
Head north out of Hayle on the B3301, and follow the road through Gwithian and past the turning for Godrevy Car Park. You will see another free car park at the top of the hill, just before the Hell’s Mouth Café. Leave your vehicle here.

Walk grade: Easy

Distance: 1 mile

Time: 20 mins

Exit the car park at the end and join the coastal path. Follow the path for 300 metres or so.

Turn right down the narrow beach-access pathway. Watch your footing as you descend to Fishing Cove.

To return, simply retrace your steps.

The beach

Seclusion: 5

Sand: 5

Rockpools and caves: 3

Swimming: 5

Ebb & flow
At low water, the beach slopes gently into the sea, making it ideal for swimming – especially as the water is protected from currents by Navax Point. At high tide, the sea comes up to the cliff, but a small area of beach is still accessible.

OS Map beach ref
SW 595,428

Car park postcode
TR27 5EG

The pitstop
A proper, family-run village pub, the Red River Inn in Gwithian is just a short drive from Fishing Cove. Its Biblical-sounding name comes from the ruddy iron ore that used to run down local rivers from the tin mines at Redruth and Camborne, and its somewhat austere exterior has changed little from the days when thirsty workers from those pits would bang tankards on its wooden door. Inside, though, it’s a relaxing space of cream walls and pale wood-panelling. Renowned for serving a great, regularly changing selection of Cornish ales, it also dishes up solid pub fare of the scampi, chips and rack of ribs variety. Keep an eye on the specials board – the chef often chalks up fresh local fish or other seasonal produce.
Red River Inn, Prosper Hill, Gwithian, Cornwall TR27 5BW (01736 753223; www.red-river-inn.com)

This walk is taken from 'Secret Beaches Southwest – 50 Short Walks to Secluded Shores' by Rob Smith (One More Grain of Sand). The book is available at www.secretbeaches.co.uk, at £14.95 (including p&p).