Polridmouth Cove
OS Grid ref:-
Scenic Polridmouth Coves, (pronounced 'pridmouth') are situated to the east of Gribbin Head and lies 7 miles from the town of St. Austell between Fowey and Polkerris.
Much of the south-facing beach is covered by the sea at high tide, which is divided into two distinct, small sand and shingle beaches by a low rocky headland at low tide. The Coves are traversed by the South West Coast Path as it wends west from Fowey to St Austell. The coastal path leads up the hill towards the red and white striped Day Marker on Gribbin Head. Erected in 1832 to guide mariners safely into the deep water harbour of Fowey. It is now owned by The National Trust.The lake and land above the easterly cove are private.
The Coves are in a superb setting with the backdrop of the Menabilly Estate and woodlands, the home of the Rashleigh family, and made famous by the author Daphne du Maurier.
The nearest car park is located around three quarters of a mile from the beach, at Menabilly. A farmland track leads down to the beach from the car park, the walk to the beach takes around 15-30 minutes.The location and access mean the cove is rarely crowded. There are no facilities at the beach. Polridmouth is a dog-friendly beach.
A walk at Polridmouth Cove
Distance - around 3 miles
(1) Commencing at the Menabilly Barton car park, head west crossing two fields to reach the cliff top.
(2) Follow along the coastal path in a southerly around Gribbin Head to reach Polridmouth.
(3) From Polridmouth, a footpath which leads off before the lakes are reached goes uphill and returns to the car-park.