National Trust - Carnewas at Bedruthan Steps - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

Carnewas at Bedruthan Steps is one of the most popular destinations on the north Cornish coast because of the spectacular cliff-top view of sea stacks stretching across Bedruthan beach. The coastline keeps its magic hidden until you take a walk along the well-established paths.

The section of the coastline from Carnewas to Stepper Point, where Bedruthan Steps is located is part of the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is subject to special landscape protection. Bedruthan Steps and nearby Park Head is an 80.8-hectare (200-acre) Site of Special Scientific Interest, designated for its geological and biological interest in 1951. It is noted for its slates and fossils from the Middle Devonian period, various mosses, and beetles. Bedruthan Steps is also a Geological Conservation Review site because it is a source of rare fish specimens.

The coast at Bedruthan Steps is exposed to westerly winds and the clifftops are an exposed environment best suited for low-growing plants. Along the coast, visitors could find a vast array of wildflowers depending on the season.

Carnewas at Bedruthan Steps is a favourite spot for picnics, even during the Victorian era. Throughout the coastline trail, there are picnic spots with dramatic clifftop views.

The coastline walk too is breathtaking. With views of sandy beaches, cliffs and meadows with wildflowers along the way. Over the years, significant improvements to the paths that cross the clifftops have been made, making the accessibility to the clifftop walks much better.

Carnewas at Bedruthan Steps was awarded Dark Skies status. The accreditation is part of the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) Dark Sky Discovery Programme. The status is given to sites that are accessible and free enough from light pollution that they offer visitors fantastic panoramic views of the night sky- an ideal place to stargaze.

Humans have been in the area of Carnewas at Bedruthan Steps since at least the Bronze Age. The six barrows nearby to the north, and Redcliff Castle overlooking Bedruthan Steps is an indication of this. Redcliff Castle dates back to at least the Iron Age.

Carnewas mine started in 1855 and followed a lead lode accessible from near the tideline at low water with lodes containing silver, copper and nickel at a lower level. This working ceased operation in 1863 but was opened again in 1868 to extract iron, closing in 1874 having produced over 6000 tons of iron ore. Ladders and steps to the beach are thought to have been needed to reach the mine workings. The National Trust shop was originally the office of Carnewas Mine, and the cafe was one of the mine buildings.

The first written record of the name "Bedruthan Steps" is from the West Briton newspaper in February 1847 and is likely to refer to one of two cliff staircases used by miners to get to the mine workings and now refers to the whole beach.

Each of the popular stacks at the beach has a name and from north to south they are Queen Bess, Samaritan Island, Redcove Island, Pendarves Island, and Carnewas Island.

Beach access at Bedruthan closed due to a cliff fall

In November 2019 a significant cliff fall took place at Bedruthan beach with a further rock fall nearby in January 2021. The rock fall caused damage to the lower section of the steps to the beach as well as the cliff face safety netting. The National Trust commissioned a geological survey to determine the stability of the cliff face and assess whether access could be reinstated. The report concluded that further, in-depth, specialist feasibility studies would be required. These will identify whether there are options for stabilising the rock face and repairing the steps and safety infrastructure.

The unprecedented pandemic delayed this important work. The steps are expected to be closed for the foreseeable future, with no confirmed timeline for the assessment and potential repairs.

Spring is the best time to visit Carnewas at Bedruthan Steps as visitors will be treated to carpets of flowering squill along the walking trails.

1. It is very unsafe to swim on the beach due to heavy rips, fast tides and submerged rocks.
2. The steps down to the beach are damaged, it is not recommended to go down the beach through them.
3. The pay and display machines at the site only accept cash in coins. An exact change is required.
4. Entry and parking fee payments are also possible using PayByPhone with location code "803546". The mobile reception is quite bad in the area so it is recommended to make the payment before you reach the site.
5. The trails along the cliff can be a lot muddy, careful with the shoe selection.

1. The name Bedruthan Steps is believed to be taken from a mythological giant called Bedruthan, who used the rocks (stacks) on the beach as stepping stones. This seems to be a late 19th-century invention for Victorian tourists.
2. The stack named "Queen Bess" was supposed to resemble the outline of Queen Elizabeth I, although the head was lost after a storm in 1981.
3. The stack named "Samaritan Island" is named after a ship the Good Samaritan, which was wrecked there in 1846 with the loss of nine lives.

It takes about 1 to 2 hours to explore Carnewas at Bedruthan. There are so many hiking trails through the coastal area, so it is also easily possible to spend half to one day.

The nearest city of Carnewas at Bedruthan is Newquay. From Newquay, you can take bus 185 from Manor Road stop to Bedruthan House Hotel stop. It takes 30 minutes. From there it is only a 3-minute walk to reach.

If you are driving from Newquay, it is 20 minutes to reach. Newquay is connected to rest of the country by trains and buses.

Parking Charges:

£2 up to 1hr

£4 up to 4hrs

£8 all-day

National Trust members and blue badge holders can park for free.

Winter charges (1 November to 28 February):

£1 up to 1hr

£2 up to 4hrs

£4 all-day

For up-to-date seasonal pricing, visit the national trust website.

Carnewas at Bedruthan Steps is open daily from 10:30 AM to 5 PM. For an up to date opening hours, please visit the national trust website.