Carnewas and Bedruthan Steps

Carnewas and Bedruthan Steps is a stretch of sea cliffs, beaches and distinctive sea stacks on the north Cornwall coast, England, between Newquay and Padstow. It is managed by the National Trust and is a well-known section of the coastal path.

The most striking feature is the series of rock stacks called the Bedruthan Steps which rise from the intertidal beach and are visible from clifftop viewpoints. Clifftop walks along the South West Coast Path link to small coves and provide extensive coastal views, while a car park and small visitor facility at Carnewas serve walkers and day visitors.

The name Bedruthan derives from local folklore and the site has been a long-standing coastal landmark. The beach can be accessed at low tide but is partly cut off by higher water, so tide awareness is important for safety.

The location sits on the Atlantic-facing coast of north Cornwall and is accessible by road via the minor lanes that serve the coastal villages; the nearest larger centres are Newquay and Padstow.

• Tide safety: The beach and sea stacks are best reached at low tide; visitors should check tide times as the beach is cut off at high tide in places.
• Management and facilities: The site is managed by the National Trust and has a small car park and facilities at Carnewas for visitors to the clifftop walks.

What to See #

• Carnewas viewpoint and car park: Carnewas car park and clifftop viewpoint that provides direct access to the coastal walk and a small National Trust visitor facility.
• Bedruthan Steps and beach: Bedruthan Steps beach and the named sea stacks - a series of dramatic rock stacks exposed at low tide and visible from the clifftops.
• South West Coast Path: Section of the South West Coast Path that passes along the cliffs linking nearby coves and viewpoints.