Chapel Porth Beach - North Cornish Coast
Cornwall Beaches > North Cornish Coast > Chapel Porth Beach
Set in a mining valley between high cliffs, the first view of the cove is quite dramatic. The impression you will get of Chapel Porth depends on when and at what tide you go there. At high tide the beach can become a somewhat cramped, stone and shingle beach. However if you were to visit on a low tide it is quite different with the sands stretching all the way from St Agnes Head to Lushingtons at the far end of Porthtowan Beach.
The time of year you visit and the weather can also have a dramatic effect on the appearance of the beach. Chapel Porth is one of the most exposed beaches on the North Coast facing the full force of the Atlantic. In the winter it can be a bleak foreboding place with the famous Wheal Coates engine house overlooking the scene from its clifftop.
Summer is a different story with the beach coming to life and clear blue water meeting the stretch of fine sand framed by the green of the cliffs. However, even on calm days Chapel Porth is not without its hazzards - getting cut off by the incoming tide is a real danger so be careful
directions: Head into St Agnes and take the first left upon entering the village. Chapel Porth is 2 miles out of the village and signposted reasonably well.
Chapel Porth Beach map: Drag the map with your mouse to navigate and use the + and - buttons to zoom in and out.
parking: There is a fair sized National Trust owned car park right on the beach
Surfing at Chapel Porth Beach
Chapel Porth has some of the best waves on the North Coast and consequently some of the best surfers (although relatively underground)
The waves here are generally powerful and hollow with a variety of lefts and rights working between mid and low tide. Not ideal for beginners
Chapel Porth is in the "Badlands", and is fairly well known for its localism. This is the are where the local crew were known as the "Disciples" a few years back. However, if you know what you are doing and mind your manners you should be OK!
lifeguard service: Full summer service
Dogs: No dogs (Easter to October)
facilities: National Trust cafe and toilets
Nearest town: St Agnes