STEPPER Point, with its towering 19th century circular stone daymark for shipping, stands at the mouth of the River Camel near Padstow in Cornwall. Panoramic views can be enjoyed from this high, and often-windswept, headland.

Coastal features to the west include Crams, where there are fine displays of wildflowers in the spring, the Pepper Hole blowhole and Butter Hole cove which has substantial slate cliffs of varying colours. Farmland forms the backdrop to the coast in this beautiful area and there is a relatively extensive network of public footpaths criss-crossing the fields.

Before reaching Trevone Bay and the village of Trevone, there is more fabulous scenery around Gunver Head, the Merope Islands offshore rocks, the Tregudda coastal gorge, Longcarrow Cove and the Porthmissen Bridge rock formation, where guillemots, kittiwakes and razorbills can be seen, and then the impressive blowhole, known as the Trevone Round Hole.

The circular stone daymark for shipping at Stepper Point near Padstow in Cornwall. (Picture: Andrew Townsend)
The circular stone daymark for shipping at Stepper Point near Padstow in Cornwall. (Picture: Andrew Townsend)

The blowhole, which has a depth of around 80 feet, was formed when a sea cave collapsed. Visitors are warned to take care around the hole which is unfenced and has been the scene of falls and consequent rescues.

Much of the awe-inspiring landscape on this stretch of coast owes its origin to the local geology and it is protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Looking towards Stepper Point on the north coast of Cornwall. (Picture: Andrew Townsend)
Looking towards Stepper Point on the north coast of Cornwall. (Picture: Andrew Townsend)

Trevone Bay, with the golden sands of Porthmissen beach, can be good for surfing and also enjoys some lovely summer sunsets. Trevone, itself, is a pleasant seaside village featuring 20th century bungalows and a scattering of older cottages, and having a tidal pool. The village previously had several hotels and guesthouses but most of these have been turned into homes and apartments. The area continues to be a magnet attracting second home owners and retirement homeseekers.

*Andrew Townsend is a journalist and writer. He further explores the county in the travel book, Cornwall Favourites For One And All!: A Quick Guide To Good Places To Visit Across The County, which is available in print and as an ebook. More details on Andrew’s books and ebooks can be found via this link to his author page on Amazon - https://bit.ly/AndrewTownsendAuthor

Cornwall Favourites For One And All!, a lovely tour around the county, is available as an ebook on Amazon.
Cornwall Favourites For One And All!, providing a lovely tour around the county, is available as a book and an ebook on Amazon. (Picture: Andrew Townsend)