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Beach

Cornwall, England

Porthmeor Cove

Porthmeor Cove — distinct from Porthmeor Beach in St Ives — is a small, remote cove on the far western Penwith peninsula, between Zennor and the Land's End headland.

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Adults-oriented Field verified
  • Day use
  • Hike In
  • Remote
Porthmeor Cove

About this place

Porthmeor Cove — distinct from Porthmeor Beach in St Ives — is a small, remote cove on the far western Penwith peninsula, between Zennor and the Land's End headland. The cove is accessible only via the SW Coast Path with a descent to beach level, placing it among the more isolated natural swimming spots in West Cornwall.

The setting is dramatic Penwith granite country: weathered cliff faces, ancient moorland above, clear Atlantic water below, and the sense of being at the far edge of England. The informal C/O tradition here is consistent among those who make the journey — the approach filters out casual visitors and the cove's character as a wild swimming and naturist spot is well-established among West Cornwall's outdoor community.

Visitor notes

Contributed by ClothingOptional.org Editorial Team

Who visits

Serious SW Coast Path walkers, West Penwith naturists and wild swimmers.

How to find it

Via the SW Coast Path on the far western Penwith peninsula. Requires an OS map or GPS — this is remote, unmarked terrain.

Things to watch out for

Genuinely remote location. Cold, exposed Atlantic. No facilities, no rescue services nearby. Come prepared.

Last updated

Etiquette & ground rules

Remote wild swim location with informal C/O tradition.

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