Circular walk from Port Gaverne to Barretts Zawn

Port Gaverne to Barretts Zawn

A circular walk from Port Gaverne around Port Isaac Bay to Barretts Zawn, where a tunnel leads to the beach, through which donkeys used to haul slate.

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either as a GPS-guided walk with our app (£3.29) or a PDF of directions (£2.79) Example of directions

A circular walk from Port Gaverne around Port Isaac Bay to Barretts Zawn, where a tunnel leads to the beach, through which donkeys used to haul slate.

Highlights

  • Historic settlement of Port Gaverne which predates Port Isaac
  • Sandy beach at low tide at Port Gaverne
  • Spectacular panoramic views over Port Isaac Bay from the coast path
  • Clifftop views over Barrett's Zawn beach
  • "Donkey Hole" - a hidden tunnel to Barrett's Zawn beach (entry not recommended)
  • Local food and drink at Port Gaverne hotel (pub and restaurant)
  • Return route along pleasant country lanes lined with wildflowers in spring and summer

Considerations

  • The Coast Path between Ranie Point and Barretts Zawn is very steep and does not have steps.
  • Five of the stiles on the coast path are stone footholds over walls. These vary from about 3ft up to over 5ft.
  • As the route comes inland, one of the stiles has disintegrated leaving a fence which needs to be climbed. This is about about 3ft high and constructed from 2 telegraph poles, resembling a horse jump.
  • The lane to Port Gaverne forming the return route gets a reasonable amount of traffic, particularly in holiday periods.
  • Route includes paths close to unfenced cliff edges.

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Vital statistics

  • OS Explorer: 106, 109
  • Distance: 6 miles/9.7 km
  • Steepness grade: Moderate-strenuous
  • Recommended footwear: walking boots
  • Pub: ✓
  • Café: ✓

Pubs on or near the route

  • The Port Gaverne Hotel

either as a GPS-guided walk with our app (£3.29) or a PDF of directions (£2.79) Example of directions

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