The stunning Gwenver beach is dog friendly year-round with golden sand and fantastic surf. It's a dramatic area in terms of beauty with some of the most spectacular coastal walks in West Cornwall on your doorstep.

(Scroll further down for more on this beautiful area)

Gwenver is certainly one of The Cornish Way’s favourites and located just below some of our properties in the hamlet of Tregiffian and Escalls. It’s thought to get its name from Guinevere, wife of the legendary Cornish King Arthur and is renowned for being one of the best surf beaches in Cornwall during the summer months. It's generally quiet. It's small. The view is great. We love it! It is however, a steep climb down to the sandy beach and Gwenver and the climb back up is certainly not for the faint hearted.

At 150 meters long, Gwenver beach joins up with the neighbouring Sennen Cove at low tide. Although generally considered to be separate beaches, Gwenver and Sennen make up Whitsand Bay with Gwenver at the northern end.

GWENVER - Gwenver beach is dog friendly all year and life guards are working in the holidays but there are no other facilities. Turn right off the A30 just before Escalls Chapel en route to Sennen. Park at Peace and Plenty car park and buy a chocolate brownie from the car park, or a jar of homemade chilli relish then take everything you need down the cliff path. It’s particularly magical on a summers evening with the sun setting over the horizon.

SENNEN - Sennen cove is one the jewels of the far west and the stunning stretch of beautiful white sand is popular with surfers, swimmers and sun worshippers alike. There are lifeguards, showers, toilets and a great café for sundowners. The lifeboat station remains active and lobster pots can be seen close by, testifying to the continuation of the local fishing industry. The beach is dog friendly in winter and before 10am and after 6pm during high season.

NANJIZEL - This is another favourite of The Cornish Way. Accessibility is an issue, the nearest place to park is a mile and a half from Nanjizal, but it's worth the effort. It's often deserted. There's a fresh water stream to wash your feet in, coarse clean sand, rockpools, and the Song of the Sea, the long narrow arch that entrances photographers as the sun glints through it. There are also caves and a cross formation in the cliffs that must have created a religious fervour in years gone by. Seals are often spotted at Nanjizal as they play in the waves. 

SWIMMING - is often restricted due to the rip and red flags will be put out. We've often seen dolphins and basking sharks here in summer and on a clear day the Scilly Isles can be easily made out from the beach as can the nearby Brisons rocks one mile off the coast of Cape Cornwall.

SURFING - Gwenver is potentially one of the most exposed beaches in England. Located less than 2 miles from Lands End and facing almost due west it takes the full brunt of the Atlantic Ocean. With powerful waves the surf can be fantastic for experienced surfers.

WALKING - Between the beaches at Sennen and Gwenver there is Escalls cliff and it doesn’t take long to follow to coast path between the two, at low tide you can walk across the beach. Escalls is a civil parish that was owned by the Penros family in the Middle Ages. John Penrose who died in 1411 is the most well-known member of the family, having been the Lord Chief Justice of Ireland in 1385 – 1386 despite being a notorious felon. His downfall came from his litany of serious crimes, including treason, piracy and murder, although his descendants remained in Escalls for generations after his death. Today, the most well-known part of Escalls is the chapel with the surfboard cross.

Sitting in the West Penwith designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the South West Coast path provides great walks, linking Gwenver to various beaches including Nanjizal and Porthnanven. The circular route between Sennen and Nanquidno runs along Whitsand Bay and follows the rugged granite coast around Aire Point to Nanquidno where the granite boulders sculped by a prehistoric ocean were buried by falling sea levels and have since been unveiled by the eroding cliffs.

PLACES OF INTEREST - Lands End is famous for its beautiful scenery and unique location with breathtaking views. In the winter you can storm-watch over the Longships Lighthouse. There's also plenty of spots for a bite to eat, from pasties at the Bakehouse, sweet treats at the Land's End Doughnut Company to lunch or dinner at The Land's End Restaurant.

The Minack Theatre is a unique open-air theatre with a backdrop of Porthcurno Bay and the Logan Rock headland. It is the best place to see the splendour of this world wide favourite and can be accessed by foot from the coastal footpath in the cliff face or more easily by road taking the steep narrow hill towards St Levan church and turning left at the top. The Minack stages a full programme of live performances from the traditional Shakespeare to the more contemporary and you’re welcome to explore the dramatic cliff top site and enjoy the glorious sub-tropical gardens even when performances aren’t on. 

SHOPPING

SENNEN MARKET has grown over the years to both encompass and showcase locally grown produce, freshly made foodstuffs and handmade arts and crafts.

OLD BOASTHOUSE STORES has everything you'll need during your stay, including newspapers, beachwear and groceries.

COSTCUTTER in Sennen is a quaint store with just about everything you need for a holiday, without having to go to Penzance.

EATING

SARAH & FINN'S is an artisan producer of 'Taste of the West' award-winning relishes nestled in the far west of Cornwall's north coast. The range comprises five relishes, all handmade in small batches using locally sourced ingredients. Pick up a jar when you visit Gwenver beach.

THE OLD SUCCESS INN is a landmark pub set in the heart of Sennen Cove, overlooking one of Cornwall’s most spectacular beaches.

SENNEN COVE CAFE has plenty of outdoor seating overlooking the stunning Sennen Cove. They serve coffee and cake alongside a seasonal menu and a selection of drinks.

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