Exploring Bedruthan Steps: North Cornish Coast

Between Padstow and Newquay resides a spectacular beach and staggering stretch of unspoilt coastline… introducing Bedruthan Steps.

Growing up on the south coast, I never used to spend a great deal of time venturing to the north. Despite only being a 45 minute drive from Falmouth, I hadn’t visited this spot yet.

However, after my friend kept telling me how unbelievably brilliant Bedruthan Steps Beach is, I agreed to go along with her for a little coastal wander. I was not disappointed.

Bedruthan Steps are actually closed…

Before I go on, I feel I should mention that Bedruthan Steps ‘steps’ are actually closed at the moment.

Due to significant damage from a rock fall back in autumn 2019, the steps down to the beach are not accessible. However, this doesn’t take away from the fantastic scenery and walks in this area. I was still so glad I went, even if we couldn’t climb down to the beach.

Where to start

The Carnewas and Bedruthan National Trust Car Park was our starting point. Home to a delightful little tea room that serves refreshments, ice-creams, cream teas and hot drinks, this is a great spot off the beaten track to stop for lunch or a quick snack before exploring.

Undulating coastal paths hug the cliff edge, snaking around oh-so-blue Cornish waters. Photos just don’t do this stunning destination justice.

It certainly helped that the day I chose to tick Bedruthan Steps off my Cornish hit list was a glorious July afternoon. Despite being perched on the edge of the map, there was nothing quiet or desolate about this spot.

Wild sea-cliff flowers danced in the breeze, gulls glided in the salt-whipped air and the sound of soft crashing waves splashed along in the background as we took in our beautiful surroundings and stopped for our picnic lunch.

Bedruthan Steps Beach

As I mentioned earlier, the famous steps down to Bedruthan Beach are sadly closed. In addition, we forgot to check the tide times… I know – schoolboy error 😳

However, we did joke that this was probably for the best. It would have been even more torturous to gaze down at one of the most beautiful beaches in Cornwall and not be able to sink our toes in the sand.

As we continued our ramble along the cliff tops, the beach did reveal a slither of footprint-free sand, just to tease us a little!

The Legend of Bedruthan

Unbeknown to many is the tale behind the name. Dating back to the nineteenth century, it was believed that a mythical giant named Bedruthan used the curiously placed rocky stacks as stepping stones down to the beach, an explanation for their interesting positioning.

Surrounding Beaches and Walks

The Newquay area is home to some incredible beaches. Bedruthan is a great starting point for walking to some of them (especially whilst the steps are closed).

Mawgan Porth Beach is a short 30-ish minute walk away. A surfer’s paradise and a great spot to catch a wave. (Or so I’ve heard. I’ve never laid so much as a toe on a surfboard before.)

For a longer walk, carry on past Mawgan Porth Beach to Watergate Bay. I have yet to try this walk – but I will be sure to give this a go at some point.

Hopefully the steps will be repaired and stabilised soon. I’m very jealous of anyone who has descended the ocean staircase down to the beauty that lies beneath the cliffs.

Visit Bedruthan Steps if you love…

• Breathtaking coastlines
• Dreamy beaches
• Walks with a cafe, easy parking and public toilets nearby
• Cliff-top picnic spots off the beaten track – if you love picnics you should also check out my top picnic spots in west Cornwall!

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