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Description
An out and back walk along the South West Coast Path between the seaside former fishing village of Portwrinkle and Tregunnus Lane Hairpin Bend on the South East Cornwall Coast, giving a good selection of land birds and spectacular views out to sea with an excellent chance of seabirds.
The village of Portwrinkle has two smallish sandy beaches, Finnygook Beach just to the East and Portwrinkle Beach just to the West. As with all seaside locations in Cornwall Portwrinkle can get extremely busy during the Summer months, a visit on a dull day early in the morning is probably best during the Summer. The roadside car park (fee payable) faces directly out to sea, NOTE sunlight can impact with 'glare' when looking due South.
For those that have remembered to bring a telescope, excellent views can be had of this part of the coast from the parking area. Havsule can often be seen from here sometimes just passing but sometimes 'plunge diving', Havlire, Polarjo, Tyvjo, Balearlire and Fjelljo, are all possible but seabird passage is weather and season dependable. Havhest once a breeding species, the most Easterly on Cornwalls South Coast, probably no longer do so, observation of breeding birds is difficult along this section of the coast. If you do find nesting birds please report any sightings at cbwps.co.uk > recent sightings.
At low tide with less visitors on the beaches Steinvender, Tjeld, Storspove and Myrsnipe sometimes briefly stop to feed, more usual are Storskarv and Toppskarv. During Winter Svartand and Ærfugl can be seen offshore, but are highly mobile depending on weather conditions. Storlom are regular Winter visitors, some non breeding/ juveniles staying into the Summer months. Both Islom and Smålom are seen annually during the Winter months, the latter in smaller numbers.
Details
Access
The A374 road runs from the City of Plymouth (to the East) to Trerulefoot Roundabout (in the West - A38), from Plymouth direction cross the River Tamar via Torpoint Car Ferry, continue on A374 until village of Anthony. Take Left turn signed Millbrook/Seaton B3247, continue on this road and at next junction turn Right signed Crafthole/Portwrinkle/Downderry. Continue on this B3247, in village of Crafthole take first exit at mini roundabout (not signed), almost immediately turn Left at sign Portwrinkle. From Trerulefoot Roundabout take exit signed Looe/Torpoint/Plymouth A374, continue on this road passing through the village of Polbathic, take second Right (on sweeping bend) turn signed Millbrook/Crafthole/Portwrinkle/Cawsand B3247. On approaching village of Crafthole turn Right signed Seaton/Downderry/Portwrinkle B3247, at next junction (note red stop sign) head straight ahead into Finnygook Lane signed Portwrinkle. The car park (fee payable) is at the bottom of this road.
Terrain and Habitat
Scattered trees and bushes , Grassland , City/village , Agriculture , Sea , Canyon/cliff , BeachConditions
Flat , Hilly , Open landscapeCircular trail
NoIs a telescope useful?
YesGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Spring , Autumn , Autumn migration , Spring migration , WinterRoute
Narrow trail , Paved roadDifficulty walking trail
Average walkAccessible by
Foot , Bicycle , CarBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
The walking route indicated on the map is about 4 km one way.