Beaches on the Roseland Peninsula

Carne and Pendower Beaches

Two splendid sandy beaches on the Roseland peninsula, Carne and Pendower together form a mile-long breath-taking stretch of sand at low tide in Gerrans Bay. Perfect for leisurely walks, both Carne and Pendower are accessible to dogs, however dogs must be kept on a lead from 9 am to 6 pm during summer months.

The flat expanse of sand is a safe playground for children, who can run around and explore rock pools to their heart’s content. The sandy beach is flanked with shingle rocks at either end and the soft cliffs and rock pools along Pendower are Sites of Special Scientific Interest. They are a haven for bird watching, butterfly spotting and rock pooling. The rocks along Pendower contain fossils which may interest a keen enthusiast. Both Carne and Pendower are crossed by streams that are popular with children in summer.

Nare Head and Veryan Bunkers

To the east, Carne Beach is overlooked by Nare Head, a promontory that rises 300 feet above the bay. It can be accessed on the Coast Path, which runs on the cliffs along the beach.

Nare Head is well worth visiting not only for magnificent views of Gerrans Bay, but also for its military history. The first of Veryan Bunkers was built on the promontory during the Second World War and played an important role in keeping this part of our shores safe. Additional bunkers were built over time and were kept in use all through the Cold War period not only as lookout posts, but also as sites for scientific tests. The bunkers were eventually abandoned in the late 1980s, however they have been preserved and can be visited as part of special guided tours, which must be booked in advance with National Trust.

Amenities

Both Pendower and Carne are managed by National Trust. There are car parks (free for NT members) and toilet facilities at either side of Carne and Pendower Beach. If you fancy a refreshment, Nare Hotel above Carne Beach serves afternoon tea to non-residents. For a more substantial meal we recommend The New Inn in Veryan or The Plume of Feathers pub in Porthscatho.

Walks

If you wish to stretch your legs, you can take to the Southwest Coast Path and walk to the ancient village of Veryan (1.5 miles). Keener walkers can venture in the opposite direction to the fishing village or Portscatho (2.8 miles) and even as far as St Anthony’s Head at the tip of Roseland (6.3 miles).

Where to stay?

Fal River Cottage is a perfect base for day trips to Roseland, its stunning beaches and quaint villages. Its location on the confluence of the rivers Truro and Tresillian means that the cottage overlooks Roseland on the opposite riverbank. The best way to access Roseland from the cottage is on the A390 through Tresillian and Tregony. A longer, although more exciting route is via King Harry Ferry at Trelissick.

Navigation and Practical Information

Postcode: TR2 5AG (Carne Beach)

Distance from Fal River Cottage: 14.8 miles via Tregony

Nearby: Veryan 1.4 miles, Porthscatho 5.9 miles

Refreshments: The Nare Hotel on Carne Beach (afternoon tea); The New Inn, Veryan; The Plume of Feathers, Porthscatho

Dog-friendly all year around (dogs must be kept on a lead between 9 am and 6pm in summer)

More Information: National Trust