Gerrans: Coastal Paths, Beaches and Local History

In Gerrans and the surrounding area, coastal paths, beaches and local history offer distinct starting points for planning a trip. The Porthscatho & Gerrans Bay walking route provides a specific itinerary; coves and designated landscapes add to the natural appeal. The church, Heritage Centre and a medieval cross provide their own historical highlights. You can weigh up which of these aspects particularly interests you when choosing your destination, based on their respective features.

Walking Route and Coastal Path

The Porthscatho & Gerrans Bay walking route uses coastal paths, beach footpaths, quiet lanes and trails; most of the route is relatively flat. On the South West Coast Path, the route heads towards Towan Beach. It then turns inland via Rosteague and Treloan, returning to Gerrans. The route described therefore includes both a coastal section and the return journey via the two named places.

For planning your walk, the route and the path conditions are separate considerations: the sequence of paths indicates the direction and the places on the return journey, while “mostly flat” describes the terrain. Path conditions can change in wet weather. So take the weather into account if you plan to do the walk.

Beaches and Designated Landscapes

Pendower Beach is in Gerrans Bay, near Gerrans. At low tide, the beach joins up with Carne to form a golden coastline more than a mile long. This connection depends on the tide. So if you plan to visit this stretch of beach, take the tide into account.

Towan Beach is also nearby: a south-east-facing sandy and shingle cove at the tip of St Gerrans Bay. It also lies within an area designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. While Pendower’s connection with Carne at low tide is a key feature, Towan is distinguished by its orientation, beach type and location at the tip of the bay.

Behind Pendower Beach are low, soft cliffs and rock pools. They are designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest because of their diverse geology and wildlife. Alongside the shape of the coastline, the designation therefore focuses on these stated natural features.

The Gerrans Bay to Camel’s Cove SSSI covers 140 hectares and stretches for 10 km along the east coast of the Roseland Peninsula. These details give the protected area its own broader geographical scope along the peninsula’s coast.

Church and Local History

The Gerrans Parish Heritage Centre opened in 2004 and presents the history of the parish from prehistoric times to the modern era. There is also a medieval cross in the churchyard at Gerrans. The two historical points of interest cover different periods: the Heritage Centre spans a broad stretch of time, while the cross is a specific medieval landmark.

St Gerrans Church holds regular Sunday services. They are open to everyone and generally start at 10 am. If you would like to include a service in your Sunday plans, the usual start time of around 10 am is a helpful guide.

Discover more destinations: Saint Neot, Falmouth, Gorran Haven, Stratton, Newquay, Mylor Bridge, Pentewan, Liskeard.

For the full travel guide: Cornwall.