Whilst I haven’t rated it particularly highly, this is because it’s a beach better known for surfing, than swimming and the conditions aren’t always favourable.
In the right conditions however, the beach offers some glorious swims! You have caves that can be swum through, stacks to swim around…there is a wealth of swimming options.
We don’t do a great deal of swimming at Porthcothan, which is a shame as it’s a stunning part of Cornwall and not always that busy. It did feature on one of our charity swims and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Porthcothan is quite a narrow, fairly long beach, that starts to open up as the tide goes out. Due to the shape of the beach, we’d advise you to be very careful swimming there on an outgoing tide…particularly if there is some swell running. We’d also advise you not to be too adventurous with an outgoing tide and swim around either headland. There are a number of small islands and rock formations and you can get some strong currents and tidal movement.
Porthcothan is lifeguarded for a number of months over the summer, there is a beach cafe and reasonable parking.
We swam two route here, as part of our 2020 Charity swim. If you get the conditions right and plan this swim it should be perfectly safe. Don’t turn up and simply try and swim it! At certain stages of the tide, particularly with a large outgoing tide you get a lot of water movement. If you are going to attempt it, follow the safety advice on the guide and be careful.
Whether you’re a wild dipping enthusiast or a serious open water swimmer - Cornwall offers more coastline than the rest of the south west put together…and what a coastline! I’m based in Penzance and we’re spoilt for choice but it’s the same throughout Cornwall. The main advantage we have in Penzance is that we have beaches and swims that pretty much face every direction. This obviously means that you can generally get a swim in regardless of the conditions, with minimal driving involved.
Photo supplied by www.saltwaterimages.co.uk
Here’s a run down of where to swim in various areas…although I may miss out some of my favourite ‘secret spots’ :
ST IVES : Carbis Bay is always a winning choice - clear water, sheltered from S wind/conditions. Easy to add distance if you want an adventurous swim. Rarely any swell. You could attempt the ‘Island’ if you’re feeling really adventurous but we’d recommend a guide and prefect conditions. Any of the town beaches offer beautiful wild dip opportunities.
PENZANCE : the whole of the Mousehole area is world class, especially at high tide. Porthleven Harbour is a swim you’ll remember but again you’ll need a guide, you need to get the tide right. You have several beaches around the Porthcurno area…and if you’re really adventurous you can try and find the beach at Zennor…it is a bit of a scramble down to it mind.
NEWQUAY : can be tricky as it’s hard to escape a westerly wind and big or rough seas if the conditions are challenging. The Gannel Estuary at high is a stunner! As is Crantock Beach when the conditions are flat. You can travel north to Mother Ivey’s Bay. Whipsiddery to Watergate is one of my fave’s but it’s quite secluded…only attempt that one if the conditions are right, you’re a competent & experienced swimmer and you have company.
ST AUSTELL : straight to either Charlestown or Porthpean. A swim from one to the other…and possibly back. Can’t go wrong! Gorran Haven just down the road is also worth a mention and visit. Lovely little village, full of character. There is another beach in the Gorran Haven area…but I don’t want to upset the locals!
FALMOUTH : I’ve always enjoyed getting off the main drag in Falmouth and popping around the corner from Gyllyngvase to Swanpool or Maenporth. Great spots from swimming!
THE LIZARD : Oh boy! Take your pick. Kynance, Cadgwith, Lizard Point, Church Cove…. Take a few days off.
Photo courtesy of www.saltwaterimages.co.uk
We’ll check in at a later date and talk about north Cornwall.
Newquay is obviously far better known for it’s surfing but she does offer some fantastic swims as well. The issue with swimming in Newquay is quite simple. Most of the coast faces west / north west…meaning that if the wind is blowing in from that direction with any force you’ll be a little stuck for a flat and sheltered swim.
The summer season often offers high pressures and small swell. So, if you’re planning some swims in Newquay the peak summer seasons might be the time. Even in the peak months if you swim at around 8-9.30am it’ll be nice and quiet. To list but a few (we’ll try) check out :
Crantock Beach and the Gannel Estuary (we have a safe swimming guide on swimming the Gannel)
Polly Joke for a mid-high tide wild dip
Porth Beach at mid-high tide
Try body surfing! Great fun
There are also short drives up & down to areas like Mother Ivey’s Bay, St Agnes, Porthcothan…. A strong westerly wind may rule out swims in Newquay but St Austell and Charlestown are only a short drive away and generally offer safe swimming conditions. If conditions are horrendous Newquay Harbour and the Gannel may still offer a quick dip option.
A stunning beach but there is a bit of a climb down steep steps. It’s also quite remote, so don’t swim alone or possibly avoid if you have any serious or regular medical issues.
For more info click the link below :
https://www.visitcornwall.com/beaches/toilets-nearby/north-coast/newquay/bedruthan-steps-beach
Bedruthan Steps, Cornwall
