Wheal Coates

If you’ve an interest in Cornwall’s mining past, a St Agnes walk is a great way to get right up close to the mines and buildings that once powered the vital industry.

Just to the west of the village, you’ll find the Towanroath pumping engine house, which dates back to 1972.

The engine house pumped water from 600 feet below the ground to the Wheal Coates Copper and Tin Mine, and the grilled shaft can still be seen to this day. This landscape is dotted with leftover buildings from this chapter in Cornwall’s history, and they make for a unique walk.

The Cliff Walks

Speaking of cliffs, the St Agnes cliff walks are great for those who fancy getting off the tourist track through walks in St Agnes. The cliff top walks not only offer impressive coastal views, but they also pass fascinating sites too.

The South West Coast path from St Agnes heads toward Porthtowan to the west and Perranporth to the east. Depending on which route you take you can pass Wheal Coates engine house, views of The Beacon and Chapel Porth. Also, keep your eyes open as you walk for the beautiful wildlife along the way, and you may even spot the odd dolphin!

St Agnes Beacon

The St Agnes Beacon is one of the most picturesque St Agnes walks, and a walk from the St Agnes village car park to this historic landmark should take around an hour. It’s a steady climb to the summit of the Beacon, and although it’s a little steep the views are well worth it! I

If you choose a clear day for this walk you’ll get the benefit of views as far as Si Ives, St Austell and Padstow. There are a number of routes to choose from when it comes to the return journey to St Agnes, and if you’re feeling like an adventure head back along the cliffs towards St Agnes Head.

Basset Country

This Portreath walk starts at the main Portreath car park, and its 5 miles are graded as moderately challenging. This is a circular walk, with one or two steeper hills and it makes for an interesting stroll as it gives an insight into Portreath behind the beach and surf scene.

Portreath started life as an industrial town, and the port was used for the transportation of minerals mines in the area. During the 1700s and 1800s, much of the town was owned by the Basset family, and they even built the harbour you see today back in 1760. This walk passes many of the sites created and owned by the Bassets, as well as the areas of Portreath close to them.