Route Highlight
The Surf Beaches
From Gwithian Towans near Hayle to Constantine Bay near Padstow, this stretch of the Southwest660 offers an impressive sequence of big sandy beaches with big waves to match. That means there’s always plenty of space on vast sandy expanses like Porthtowan, Perranporth and Watergate beaches. With invigorating westerly breezes, foamy waves and sea spray in the air, they’re as attractive to walkers as watersporters. Feeling a bit windswept? It’s easy to find smaller, more sheltered beaches at coves like Portreath, St Agnes and Harlyn Bay.
During your trip
Other Route Highlights
Hayle
Hayle is one of Cornwall’s surprise packages. It’s the opposite of Padstow’s culinary chic. Instead, this former industrial harbour town is a glimpse of the old Cornwall. It was a centre for smelting tin with its industrial relics forming part of the mining World Heritage site.
Newquay
We can’t hide the fact that Newquay is the biggest party town along the whole southwest660 route. Some will love the surf bars, crowds and music, others will immediately press the accelerator and head for quieter spots.
