Portreath

Portreath is a small village that clings to the sides of a river valley which leads down to the 18th Century harbour that once served the copper and tin mines of Camborne. Much of the harbour at Portreath remains today with its jetties, Pilot’s Lookout and cast iron capstans, the fishing boats still use the harbour to land their daily catch. There is a good selection of shops to browse around the harbour.

The secluded sandy beach is popular with families and surfers. Walkers and cyclists can follow the Portreath Tramroad coast-to-coast trail and retrace the steps of the old railways. The cliff top walks are spectacular if not strenuous in parts. To the south is Bassets Cove which is a small sandy beach situated at the bottom of sheer cliffs.

Nearby is the Cornish Goldsmiths Centre who make and sell hand-crafted jewellery but has some fascinating exhibits and visitors can even pan for gold! Well worth a visit.