Watergate Bay
OS grid ref:-
Spectacular Watergate Bay is situated about three miles about from the resort of Newquay and lies on the Cornish Atlantic coast. It is one of Cornwall's most famous beaches; popular for its for it's immense expanse of golden sand and azure sea.
The beach is set between the cliffs of Trevlegue Head to the south and Stem Point in the north and the South West Coastal Path in this area provides some truly stunning views.
At low tide the beach extends for over 2 miles, stretching north to Stem Point. Watergate Bay is a European Designated beach that has gained the highest standard for Uk bathing water, lifeguards operate from mid May to the end of September and the beach is dog friendly.
The bay is large and open and picks up swell from the Atlantic making it an excellent surfing beach. This has made it very popular with local surf schools, perhaps the best known of which is the Extreme Academy. The Extreme Academy offers a range of "extreme sports" including surfing, kitesurfing and kite buggying, providing both tuition and equipment hire.
Unlike many Cornish beach resorts, the beach at Watergate Bay is not backed directly by a village, but the range of facilities there include a large selection of restaurants and cafés both on the beachfront and in the immediate surroundings.
The restaurant at Fifteen Cornwall occupies a stunning position next to the sand at Watergate Bay it was set up by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver in May 2006. Visitors can experience signature Italian dishes with a Cornish twist. The Beach Hut is well known as one of Cornwall's best beach-side hang-outs. Situated on the sand at Watergate Bay, its an easy, relaxed restaurant serving seasonal food.
Watergate Bay has car parking and toilet facilities. There are several entrances to the beach but the most accessible is from the car park in the valley.
Watergate Bay hosts demonstrations, events, championships and festivals in a variety of sand, sea and air sports as well as the annual Polo on the Beach.
A walk from Watergate Bay to Trevelgue Head
Distance- Around 2 miles
Duration- 2 hours
(1) Park beside the Watergate Hotel (OS grid ref- SW 842 650) at Watergate Bay, walk away from the beach and to your right. Follow the signed coastal path south-west up the cliffs towards Newquay.
(2) After a short while the distance the path begins to level levels off and Trevelgue Head and Towan Head come into view. Take care along this stretch of path as it runs quite close to the cliffs and warnings are common. Continue towards the low hill in the distance.
(3) Follow the coastal path around the base of the hill and begin the gradual descent into (St Columb) Porth. Cross a stile and continue on the coastpath. Pass steep steps leading down to Whipsiderry Beach. Keep to the coastpath and drop down to Porth.
(4) Cross the wooden footbridge to Porth Island and the spectacular promontory fort or cliff castle of Trevelgue Head.
(5) Return to Watergate Bay along the cliffs.