Charlestown and Carlyon Bay circular walk

Charlestown and Carlyon Bay

A circular walk along the Cornish Riviera coastline frequented by royalty in the Roaring 20s, from the ingeniously-designed copper port now popular with film directors for its tall ships

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Download the (free) app then use it to purchase this walk.
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The app will direct you to the start of the walk via satnav.
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The app guides you around the walk using GPS, removing any worries about getting lost.
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The walk route is described with detailed, regularly-updated, hand-written directions.
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Each time there is a new direction to follow, the app will beep to remind you, and will warn you if you go off-route.
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A map shows the route, where you are at all times and even which way you are facing.
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Each walk is packed with information about the history and nature along the route, from over a decade of research than spans more than 3,000 topics.
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Once a walk is downloaded, the app doesn't need wifi or a phone signal during the walk.
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The app counts down distance to the next direction and estimates time remaining based on your personal walking speed.
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We keep the directions continually updated for changes to the paths/landmarks - the price for a walk includes ongoing free updates.

either as a GPS-guided walk with our app (£3.29) or a PDF of directions (£2.79) Example of directions

The route begins by reaching Charlestown harbour and then follows the coast path to Carlyon Bay. Here the route turns inland to reach Biscovey via the wooded byway through Lamellyn. Footpaths and residential roads then form the route back to Par Moor. The pavements of Cypress Avenue and Beach Road lead back through the settlement of Carlyon Bay. The return to Charlestown is via a wooded footpath.

Highlights

  • Sandy beach at Carlyon Bay
  • Historic harbour at Charlestown
  • Shipwreck museum at Charlestown

Considerations

  • The route includes several A/B road crossings and 30 metres along a narrow verge beside the A3082.
  • The path past Lamellyn House can be slippery when the ground is wet due to moss on the smooth tarmac surface.
  • The path behind the school in Biscovey floods after prolonged rain
  • Note that most coastal walks in Cornwall have paths close to unfenced cliffs.

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Vital statistics

  • OS Explorer: 107
  • Distance: 5.3 miles/8.5 km
  • Steepness grade: Moderate
  • Recommended footwear: Waterproof walking boots with good grip
  • No stiles: ✓
  • Pub: ✓
  • Café: ✓

OS maps for this walk

Click or tap on map for more info (blue=laminated)

Pubs on or near the route

  • The Habourside Inn
  • The Rashleigh Arms

either as a GPS-guided walk with our app (£3.29) or a PDF of directions (£2.79) Example of directions

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