Portscatho
OS grid reference :-SW876357
Breathtaking views of the Cornish coast can be had from Portscatho on Gerrans Bay on the Roseland Peninsula. The village lies 13 miles from Truro, its name translates from Cornish as Rowing Boat Harbour.
Portscatho's pilchard fleets flourished in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries and it is still, although on a much smaller scale, an active fishing port today. There is an interesting old seaman's chapel at Chapel Point, founded by one William Billing, who lies buried beneath his pulpit.
The village has an east facing beach, known as Tatums beach, which is mainly rock but has sandy patches. Portscatho beach stretches all the way to Porthcurnick Beach to the north. There is no lifeguard service but rescue equipment is available. There are also several galleries and gift shops at Portscatho. The Plume of Feathers pub serves good food, as does the Boathouse Restaurant .
The pretty village of Gerrans is situated further up the hill. To the West of the village lies St Anthony Head, on which stands the lighthouse featured in the TV series "Fraggle rock".
There are are many fine beaches in the area such as Towan and Porthbeor as well as the attractive hamlets of Porth and Bohortha. The South West Coast Path passes through the centre of Portscatho, the coastal walk to Nare Head from Portscatho offers superb views.
Inspired by nearby St. Mawe's, Portscatho has an annual fish festival with the first one held on the 3rd August 2013.
Directions
Aproaching from the east or west on the A390, turn onto the A3078 for St Mawes about 4 miles east of Truro. Continue along the A3078 until reaching Trewithian. At Trewithian turn left for Portscatho. Take the next left and there is a small car park just before Portscatho village.