Portreath - Historic Village & Rock

Essential Intel

Please note: this Trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. It has not been marked as pushchair friendly because there are several stretches along narrow roads with no pavements, as well as a short, narrow footpath section.

A steep hill is encountered towards the end of the Trail - but the views from the top make the climb worthwhile! Your return to Portreath seafront pay and display car park also depends on the tide: if the tide is out, you can cross the beach back to the car park. If not, or if you have a scout dog and seasonal restrictions are still in place, you need to retrace your steps back over Battery Hill.

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Treasure Hunt around Portreath Historic Village & Rock, with Explorers helping the Exploration Society track down treasure stolen by Cruss T C Gull and his gang from a Spanish galleon and hidden somewhere in Portreath.

The quest covers 2.2 miles and should take around 2 hours to complete. You'll set off from Portreath seafront pay and display car park, search through the village centre, investigate the harbour area, pass Greenslade Park, follow the tunnel under the former Portreath Tramroad, encounter Glenfeadon House and finish by heading down the slipway towards West Cove and Portreath beach.

This Trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. The route includes an uneven path, a narrow pedestrian walkway, narrow roads, a short narrow footpath section, several stretches along roads with no pavements, a concrete slipway and a steep hill towards the end.

Take great care in the harbour area, where there are steep drops and deep water when the tide is in. There are also tripping hazards, stormy weather can make the ground slippery, and the busy harbour area has vehicle movements. Keep Mini Explorers close on very narrow roads, at the road crossing and anywhere the route has no pavement.

Optional diversion: to enjoy panoramic views across Portreath, take a short diversion left up the narrow Public Footpath between the houses. There are steep steps to climb.

Getting There

By car: Start at Portreath seafront pay and display car park (TR16 4NN). This is the recommended car park for the quest, but it can be extremely busy at peak times.

By public transport: Make your way to Portreath seafront pay and display car park (TR16 4NN) to begin the treasure hunt. The route returns you to the car park either across the beach when the tide is out, or by retracing your steps over Battery Hill.

Need the Loo?

Public toilets are available close to the start point of the Trail, so it is worth making a quick stop before your crew sets off after Cruss T C Gull's stolen treasure.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

If a four-legged Explorer is joining your crew, plan the beach return carefully. 🐾

If the tide is out you can return across the beach, but if you have a scout dog and seasonal restrictions are still in place, you need to retrace your steps back over Battery Hill. The route also includes narrow roads with no pavements, a road crossing, a busy harbour area with vehicle movements, steep drops and deep water when the tide is in, a steep hill and a concrete slipway, so keep dogs close and under control throughout.

Food & Drink Stops

Treasure-hunting beside the sea calls for decent supplies. There are a few chances to stop for refreshments and stock up on snacks in the village centre near the start and end of the route, and the route passes several pubs and a few cafes along the way.

You can picnic in the gardens at Clue 06 or at the beach at the end. There is also a seat overlooking the beach for a rest or picnic.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Portreath Beach and West Cove

The Trail finishes by heading down the slipway to the beach, making it an easy place to linger once the treasure trail is complete. West Cove was once the site of the first harbour proposed and built at Portreath, started in 1713 but destroyed by constant hammering from northerly storms. Why not enjoy the Trail in the morning, then make use of the great beach and its nearby facilities for the rest of the day?

Portreath Harbour

Portreath's working harbour is a key part of the adventure and a fascinating place to pause safely. The current harbour began in 1760 with the building of the pier, after the earlier West Cove harbour failed to survive those northerly storms. Treat the harbour edge with care, especially when the tide is in or stormy weather sends water splashing over the edge.

Greenslade Park

The route passes Greenslade Park, which had its moment in the TV spotlight in 2008. The first episode of UKTV show 'Ty Pennington's Great British Adventure' brought in the American TV host to 'rejuvenate the morale of a faded British seaside town!'

Portreath Tramroad

The tunnel on the route passes under the former incline of the Portreath Tramroad, opened in 1838 to transport copper ore from and coal to the great mines around Camborne, Redruth and Illogan. Trucks were hauled up by a winding house at the top using the steam engine 'Lady Basset', and the line closed in 1932.