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Mawgan Porth


OS Grid ref:- SW8467

Mawgan PorthThe beach and village of Mawgan Porth is situated on Cornwall's rugged and windswept Atlantic Coast, it lies seven miles north of the popular resort of Newquay, Cornwall's surfing capial and is situated between Watergate Bay and Trenance.

The small attractive village, known in Cornish as Porth Maugan, meaning St Mawgan's cove, lies between the resort towns of Padstow and Newquay and is set in a lush green Vale of Lanherne where the River Menalhyl runs down to the sea.

Mawgan Porth consists of a pub, the Merrymoor Inn, which is situated behind the beach, a few hotels, guest houses and caravan parks and a few shops, one of which specialises in wet suit and surf board hire.

There are many activities in and around the local area such as pitch and putt, crazy golf, fishing (coarse, sea and trout), go-kart racing, surf schools and ten pin bowling.

The award winning beach at Mawgan Porth has golden sands, rock pools to explore, some sand dunes, it is an excellent location for surfing. The King surf’school is based on Mawgan Porth Beach and offers both individual and family based surf lessons.

The west facing beach is surrounded by high rugged cliffs and has a shallow river (St Columb Canal) which leads out into the sea. At low tide there are a number of caves that are accessible.

There is level access to the beach and toilets and parking are situated close by. Excellent lifeguard facilities operate in the summer months and the beach is dog friendly.Parking is available next to the beach, with level access onto the sand.

The Merrymoor pub in the village has a wide range of real ale and a great selection of food. There is a terrace overlooking the beach for alfresco dining and a small children’s play area. The Travellers Rest has an open log fire in the winter months, with its beamed ceilings it is the quintessential village inn, offering a excellent food every day. On the beach there is The Riviera Café, which open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The South West Coastal Path passes through Mawgan Porth, following the path northwards towards Padstow will pass the ruggedly beautiful and legendary Bedruthan Steps, supposedly created by the giant Bedruthan.

Griffin's Point is the site of an Iron Age cliff castle (OS grid reference- SW 842664) which lies between Mawgan Porth and Watergate Bay. Dating from the Iron Age, three ramparts enclose a small clifftop area, it is reached by following the coastal path south from Mawgan Porth beach. A Dark Age settlement in Mawgan Porth itself which was excavated in the 1950s and revealed evidence of occupation, farming and fishing, between the ninth and eleventh centuries.

Image copyright Neil Hanson


Cornish Towns and Villages

Cornish Beaches

Surfing in Cornwall