St Agnes Head, Wheal Coates & Chapel Porth Beach loop from St Agnes Beacon — Cornwall

Embark on an easy 3.9-mile (6.2 km) hike around St Agnes Head, Wheal Coates, and Chapel Porth Beach, gaining 537 feet (164 metres) in elevation over approximately 1 hour and 48 minutes. This loop offers a diverse experience, with natural paths, gravel, and paved sections leading you through vibrant blue seascapes, purple and yellow heathland, and green pastures. You will pass the iconic Wheal Coates mine buildings, which dramatically tumble down the cliffside, and enjoy the beauty of Chapel Porth Beach, considered one of Cornwall's best.

While the overall difficulty is easy, be prepared for varied terrain, including some steep inclines, particularly when ascending to St Agnes Beacon or descending towards Chapel Porth. Some parts of the route along the cliffs can be rugged and require sure-footedness, though nothing is excessively steep or prolonged. The path through Chapel Combe leads beside a stream, an area rich with disused mine shafts. For the best experience, consider visiting in summer when St Agnes Head is adorned with numerous wildflowers, or in springtime when the heath and grasslands bloom.

This trail is particularly notable for its rich historical significance, encompassing the iconic Wheal Coates tin mine, a World Heritage Site with engine houses dating back to the 1870s. You will also enjoy spectacular 360-degree panoramic views of the North Cornwall coast from St Agnes Beacon, stretching from St Ives to Trevose Head on clear days. The route follows a significant portion of the South West Coast Path, offering breathtaking cliff-edge walks and views of hidden coves, all steeped in local folklore, including the legend of Giant Bolster.