Porthleven to Gunwalloe Walk

2.7 miles (4.4 km)

This walk follows the South West Coast Path from Porthleven to Gunwalloe. Starting from Porthleven harbour the route runs south for just under 3 miles, heading past Loe Bar and along Porthleven Sands to Gunwalloe.
Leaving Porthleven, the path follows a scenic section of the Cornish coast with views across Mount's Bay and the open sea.... The route passes Loe Bar, the natural shingle barrier that separates the sea from Loe Pool, Cornwall's largest natural freshwater lake. The lake and surrounding wetlands support a variety of birdlife, while the coastal cliffs and shoreline provide habitat for seabirds including cormorants, shags and gulls. Grey seals are also occasionally seen offshore.
Beyond Loe Bar, the path continues along the dunes and sands towards Gunwalloe, an area known for its broad beach and dramatic coastal setting. Church Cove is one of the area's best-known landmarks, where the small medieval Church of St Winwaloe stands close to the shore behind the dunes. The church's detached bell tower, built to withstand Atlantic storms, is a distinctive feature of the landscape.
Gunwalloe has a long association with shipwrecks due to the exposed nature of the coastline, and the sweeping beach, rocky outcrops and low cliffs create a striking end to the walk. The combination of coastal scenery, wildlife habitats, historic landmarks and expansive sandy beaches makes this an especially varied section of the South West Coast Path.