Summer at Lantic Bay
Lantic Bay nestles on the dramatic south coast of Cornwall between Fowey and Polperro. Because this part of the coast is so far from main roads, frankly, it’s not easy to get to unless you are staying locally near Fowey, but for the same reason it makes a really memorable and rewarding day out. And we love it. If you are coming from the west then one great option is to head for Fowey, and take the little Bodinnink car Ferry (£5 return at the time of writing).
Lantic Bay during the winter
There are two car parking options – close together and about a mile east of Polruan (easy to find on Google maps). You can either use Pencarrow car park, grid ref:SX149513 — or Lantivet Bay car park, grid ref SX156518 — depending on whether you want a long or short walk to the beach. Both are National Trust car parks and you’ll need cash to pay unless an NT member.
Either way it’s a stunning walk, as the beach appears magically at the foot of the tumbling cliffs. And it’s a steep walk down — so all of your party will need a reasonable level of fitness — although rest assured it’s a lovely and well-kept pathway (thank you National Trust). The beach is mostly sandy and is actually two beaches separated at high tide by Pencarrow headland.
At low tide the two connect, and there are more, smaller beaches further along. Be careful not to get cut off by the rising tide if you explore these. The swimming here is great when it’s calm weather but please be alert for rip currents that can occur at certain states of tide — and when the sea is rough don’t go in. There are no lifeguards or ‘facilities’ in this remote location so enjoy the remote Atlantic ruggedness of Lantic Bay.
