Poldark inspired walks
By Pentewan Sands on the August 19th, 2019 in Cornwall, Activities, Holidays
Combine two of our favourite loves - walking and Poldark – and fill up on beautiful views and incredible history as you tread in the footsteps of Ross and Demelza.
Mevagissey to Charlestown – 7.6 miles
Just a mere few minutes from our front door lies one of the best Poldark inspired walks in Cornwall. The public footpath from Mevagissey to Charlestown packs in stunning views as it meanders along the coast to Pentewan (and our fab sister site) before passing the rocky cove at Hallane, Porthpean and Duporth beaches. But it’s the approach to Charlestown that puts this walk at the top of the Poldark chart. As the historic Grade II Listed harbour, complete with Tall Ships and characterful cottages, comes into view, scenes from the series almost jump into action before you. You’ll fall into step with Captain Poldark and Doctor Enys as they partner up in heroic adventures, spot Drake and Morwenna’s harbourside home and will be able to imagine yourself as an extra on the real-life film set.
Wheal Leisure walk – 3.7 miles
Get up close to two of the key stars of the hit series - Owles and Crowns near Botallack, aka Wheal Leisure, and Levant which plays the part of Tressiders Rolling Mill - on this authentic miners’ walk in the far flung west of Cornwall. You’ll see the dramatic landscape of Cornish coastal mining and get a sense of just how great the mining industry in this area once was.
Wheal Coates tin mining circular - 1 mile
Although Wheal Coates tin mine on Cornwall’s north coast near St Agnes doesn’t feature in Poldark itself, such is its legendary status that it’s a must-do for every Poldark fan. The iconic landmark sits beautifully against a backdrop of the mighty Atlantic Ocean providing a picture-perfect snapshot of Cornwall’s mining history. It can be enjoyed on a short circular walk from Chapel Porth car park with the route stretching out along the coast path and weaving through old tin mine buildings. As the waves crash below and the seagulls circle overhead, you can almost hear the sound of pickaxes and in your mind’s eye see the miners of yesteryear go about their gruelling work.
Highest peaks sweep – 5.2 miles
By taking on two of Cornwall’s highest peaks, Rough Tor and Brown Willy on Bodmin Moor, you’ll experience the landscape captured in Poldark’s dramatic horse-riding scenes. You’ll also pass prehistoric remains and will be in striking distance of the cottage used for the exterior shots of Ross Poldark’s cottage. And if that wasn’t enough, the walk overloads on mesmerising 360-degree views with both the north and south Cornish coasts in reach on a clear day.
West Cornwall cove to cove – 2.3 miles
As one of Poldark’s most iconic film locations (remember that oh-so-memerable skinny dipping scene?), Porthgwarra fishing cove puts you in the thick of the Poldark action from the very start of your coastal walk. Take in the rook pools, atmospheric cliff tunnel and moored fishing boats before striking out along the South West Coast Path to Porthcurno. This short, and sometimes rugged, walk has eye candy aplenty with magnificent views at every turn and an abundance of wildlife. And things get even more stunning at exotic-looking Porthcurno which had location managers drooling with its clear, blue waters and golden sands. Explore the open-air Minack Theatre cut into the cliff tops and the superb Telegraph Museum, complete with secret World War II tunnels, before retracing your footsteps to Porthgwarra.
Holywell and Perran – 4.5 miles
At over 4 miles long and with ‘challenging’ status, this walk is far from a leisurely stroll but, taking in not one but two Poldark locations, every step is more than worth it. It starts out in Holywell Bay which is famed for scenes of characters galloping on horseback and wadding through the shallows, and follows the South West Coast Path along the stunning north Cornish coast. Cliff top mine workings, the remains of a sand-engulfed church and incredible views provide plenty of interest, and in Perranporth a memorial bench which marks the spot where Winston Graham once had a writing chalet makes the perfect resting spot.