Pedn Vounder
Arguably the most beautiful beach in Cornwall, Pedn Vounder is a secluded slice of paradise which you can walk to from Trengothal!
It’s a delightful walk down through the forgotten valley of Penberth to the picturesque Penberth Cove (the location of the fishing cove in the recent Poldark TV servies) up to the stunning cliffs of Treryn Dinas to look down on the stunning, craggy granite bay famed for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and near-white sandy shore. In addition the beach here also featured in the recent TV adaptation of Poldark where it was used in a dream sequence of “Nampara Cove”.
Once a hidden gem, Pedn Vounder is now something of an Instagram darling so reaching the nearest car park by car can be stressful, so we definitely prefer to walk there!
The name Pedn Vounder translates from the Cornish ‘pedn’, meaning head or end and ‘vounder’, meaning lane – so, ‘end of lane’, which could be used to describe most beaches! ‘Pedn’ is pronounced ‘pednee’ and this is how locals generally refer to the beach.
Reaching Pedn Vounder is an adventure in itself. The beach is accessible via a steep and somewhat challenging path so appropriate footwear is a must and travelling light is advisable. The breathtaking views of the bay and the surrounding cliffs make the effort worthwhile.
As with all of Cornwall’s beaches it is important to check the tides when planning a vist. We would recommend aiming for low to mid tide as the beach disappears at high tideand it is possible to find one’s self cut off! See Pedn Vounder Beach tide times.
Without a doubt the best time to visit Pedn Vounder is on a Spring low tide (a very low tide). Plan your visit carefully around 2 hours before the low tide and you will spare yourself the horror of making your way down the cliff “path”! Sometimes you can walk and wade right across to Porthcurno Beach!
As with all natural sites, it’s important to leave no trace. Take your rubbish with you and respect the local wildlife and plant life.
There are no facilities on the beach, but the village of Treen above has a pub, The Logan Rock Inn, a little wine bar, Farm and Fort, and public toilets.
As with all natural sites, it’s important to leave no trace. Take your rubbish with you and respect the local wildlife and plant life.
Sennen & Gwynver Beaches
Sennen beach is one of the most popular spots in South West Cornwall for famillies seeking an easy access, lifeguarded beach with plenty of facilities and there are few places in Cornwall to see a better sunset than at Sennen Beach.
You can walk to Sennen beach via the back track from Trengothal Barn. It takes about 25 minutes.
Sennen is very popular with surfers and dare devil body boarders, so the beach is filled with adrenaline seekers all year round – and it gets pretty busy during peak summer. You can always walk further along to Gwynver or White Sands beach, also lifeguarded but quieter.
You will find everything surf related pretty well catered for on Sennen Beach including a surf school and surf hire facilities (including wet suit hire). They run beginner to advanced classes and booking is advised.
Sennen Beach Bar (open from Easter to October usually) serves fast food and drinks from the lower hatch to keep the hoards of beach goers fed and watered.
The beach is lifeguarded during the day during the tourist season with 4 or 5 lifeguards usually on duty at any one time. They are very vigilant and due to the fast moving tide they are constantly moving the flags and assessing safety for everyone.
Along the harbour front you will find a pub, The Old Success, with a front facing beer garden, a wonderful ice cream shop, a little cafe, a fish and chip shop and an RNLI shop too. There are toilets at both car parks and they are pretty well maintained considering how many people are using them.
For those arriving by car, there are two car parks at sea level and then an overspill carpark that sits at the top of the hill (on the right just after you turn off the A30) – this is perfect for those arriving later in the day and those with camper vans or larger vehicles. The good news is that there is always somewhere to park if you are heading to Sennen.
Nanjizal Cove
Nanjizal Beach, also known as Mill Bay, is another hidden gem located near Land’s End which you can walk to from Trengothal, especially as it is not easily accessible by road!
It is truly a magical place, perfect for those looking to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in nature. The secluded beach features white sands, clear water pools, and unique rock formations. The highlight is the Song of the Sea cave, also known as Zawn Pyg, a natural arch in the cliff that creates a picturesque lagoon.
The natural archway has been carved out by the relentless action of the sea over thousands of years, creating a stunning and unique formation.
The cave features a narrow, vertical slit in the rock, which allows sunlight to stream through, creating a magical effect, especially during sunrise and sunset. The light filtering through the archway can make the water inside the cave glow with an ethereal blue-green hue. Around the cave, you’ll find several tidal pools that are perfect for exploring. These pools are often teeming with marine life, making them a great spot for a bit of impromptu rock pooling.
Nanjizal is also a great spot for bird watching and you might even spot seals in the waters nearby.
Due to its remote location, Nanjizal remains relatively uncrowded, even during peak tourist season, but please note, the path to Nanjizal can be rugged and involves steep steps and boulders, so wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for a bit of a workout.
There are no facilities at the beach, so bring water, snacks, and anything else you might need for a day out.As a relatively untouched spot, it’s important to leave no trace and take all your rubbish with you.