Porthmeor Cove
This secluded cove is set on the rugged West Cornwall coast between Land's End and St Ives. It is about as far removed from its namesake (Porthmeor beach) in St Ives as possible. Instead of the summer hordes it is a place of solitude.
The foreshore is mainly composed of rounded rocks and boulders but towards lower tides a sandy area is revealed. There are a few other patches of sand amongst the rocks but these vary from year to year.
Porthmeor would be a great spot for kids if it was easier to get to as it has lots of fascinating nooks and crannies. As it is it is mainly frequented by passing walkers and the odd geologist (not that geologists are odd you understand!).
Porthmeor Cove is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) on account of its geology. In fact it is one of the most important geological locations in SW England.
Type of beach
Sand and rocks
Lifeguard service
No lifeguard cover
Dogs friendly beach?
Dogs allowed all year
Nudist/naturist beach
Yes
Postcode
TR20 8YX
OS grid ref.
SW 4255 3749
Parking
There is parking by the roadside, but there is only enough space for 2 or 3 cars. Other alternatives include parking at Carn Galva engine house around a mile away, or at Gurnards Head, which is about the same.
Porthmeor Cove Reviews
Great little cove
Kevin
Apr 21st 2022Great little cove to catch the sun and have a lovely swim. As previously stated a bit tricky for some getting down over large boulders and time your arrival for a couple of hours after High Water. The sand, once exposed, is lovely and soft. Three other naturists and one textile there when I visited for the afternoon. Will definitely go there again????.
Risk and Reward
Alex
Aug 12th 2020Time your visit for low tide and you’ll be rewarded with sand. The big boulders make for an added challenge but were manageable for our 5 year old. Practically deserted on a sunny Sunday in August.
Seldom anyone else there
John Edwards
Aug 09th 2019Very quiet with rocks offering privacy