Mawgan Porth, North Cornwall
Mawgan Porth is another of Cornwall's golden sand beaches that draw people back to it year after year, tourists and locals alike. It has the usual rugged and wild feel to it that Cornwall is famous for, and it does not disappoint giving all of those features in spades. Many of the rocks show beautiful marbling running throughout which adds to the diversity of the rocks whilst others stand tall above formed into wonderful shapes by the constant movement of the wind and waves, some to the point of forming small caves into the rock face bringing up visions of pirates and smugglers.
There are a few eateries in Mawgan Porth but it is only a small village so do not expect too much besides the sandy beach and the expansive bay which seems to stretch right out of the bay itself. A popular beach for surfers and having lifeguards during the summer months you can watch and observe their skills and antics as they try to master the waters. It is also a favourite spot for dog walking as the dogs love to run around at full pace until they tire out if they do at all.
A great place to take the kids who can build their sandcastles to their heart's content and as it is not too large, you can keep an eye on them easier as the beach is fairly open. There is a small waterfall at the end of the beach which is fed by a small stream running down the hillside and there is a set of stairs which take you up to the cliff top where you can observe the stream to the cliffs edge and the path leads you up the cliffs to give you great views over the whole beach which looks rather stunning.
How to get to Mawgan Porth.
There are two main roads into the village, one from the North, the other from the South. The North route comes down from Padstow on the B3276, which is a fine example of a working harbour with some great food on offer. You will pass other fine beaches on the way and may get distracted by the astounding views from the cliffs although the road is a little way back from those.
The approach from the south also uses the B3276 and skirts Newquay Airport where the road splits and you can carry on South down to Porth and Porth beach, then onto Newquay. Where the road splits at the Airport you work your way along the perimeter into Carloggas and then join the A3059 which leads you to the A39 main dual carriageway in Cornwall.
Often there are military and commercial aircraft passing overhead or across the beach and some sound really loud at times but are a joy to watch. There is still a lot of sand at high tide so you do not have to vacate as you may in some areas, and deck chairs are available during the summer months.
Lifeguards operate from the start of May to the end of September.
You can see that Mawgan Porth is a small village nestled between Cornish fields and facing the Atlantic Ocean. Surfing is very good as the land forms a funnel onto the beach which builds good surf and it is a rare occurrence to find a 'flat-day'. The waters are lovely and clear and safe for youngsters to run riot in and rockpools are there for the more intrepid explorers amongst them.
Large map showing the area where Mawgan Porth is located.
This map shows rather more detail of the beach and area.
Photo Gallery for Mawgan Porth - click on photo to enlarge, use side arrows in photo when hovered to browse
