Port Isaac to Port Quin Circular Walk

The walk along the cliffs towards or to Port Quin is a real must whilst visiting Port Isaac. There are variations on the route with options to make it a shorter circuit, but the full walk from Port Isaac to Port Quin and back inland across the fields is a beautiful, if challenging, 5 mile walk that will probably take you almost as many hours - be warned though that this section of the South West Coast Path is nicknamed “The Rollercoaster” by many due to the steep ups and downs!

Starting from our booking office at the old Trelawney Garage at number 14, New Road, walk along past Outlaws New Road to the car park with its views across Port Isaac Bay towards Tintagel, go down the steps and walk along the lower level of the public car park to join the coast path. This path meets the top of Fore Street opposite Waypast, which you need to follow down hill past Rosemary Cottage to the harbour and the historic centre of Port Isaac. The road up Roscarrock hill on the other side of the harbour is behind the fish cellars (the Port Isaac Pottery and public toilets are signposted). Walk up here past The White House, White House Cottage and Folly 1 to join the coast path at the top. This path runs along between the bottom of Kandhallah’s gardens (the large Victorian terrace) and the top of the allotments, up the steps and through the gates in to Lobber field, part of Roscarrock Farm.

As you walk up and over Lobber, don’t forget to look behind you (or take a seat on the bench for a minute) to enjoy the view back down to the harbour. Follow the path through the gap in the wall and around Lobber, with panoramic views across the bay.

The path around Lobber Point

The path leads down into a rocky cove called Pine Haven. From here it is possible to make a shorter walk up the valley and back around. To carry on to Port Quin however, you must first cross the wooden bridge and conquer the long and very steep flight of steps up the other side before the path continues on towards Varley Head. Half way between Varley Head and the next headland, named Kellan Head the path becomes more challenging, with lots of steps and uneven sections.

Upon rounding Kellan Head you will have a great view across towards The Rumps and Mouls Island, before Doyden Point and the small folly castle that marks the entrance to the narrow inlet at Port Quin. Follow the path into the hamlet of Port Quin.

Port Quin

From Port Quin few people opt to retrace their steps along “The Rollercoaster” so there are several options for making this a circular walk back to Port Isaac; if it has been raining lots then walking up the lane (heading back up the valley) to just past the Trelights junction and what was the Longcross Hotel and Victorian Gardens, and taking the footpath across the fields to pick up the lane that drops down Church Hill into Port Isaac harbour will be a less muddy option! The alternative route, that requires less walking on tarmac, is the signposted footpath that leaves the road just outside Port Quin at Varley Cottage. This path crosses a field and heads up the valley, then after passing through a gateway and crossing the stile in the far hedge, cuts across three fields to bring you to the ancient manor farm of Roscarrock.

Roscarrock Farm

Here, the path turns left and goes over another stile before crossing a small valley. The path climbs the hill; the post on top of the hill is the Breeches Buoy Post that was originally sited on The Main at Port Gaverne and used for coastguard rescue training during the early 20th century. Follow the hedge down into Port Isaac, and then either head to The Golden Lion for a restorative drink or straight back to your accommodation for a cup of tea and to put your feet up!