Location & Directions
Directions
By Car
From the M5 at Exeter exit at Junction 31 for Okehampton/Bodmin on the A30 – this is the main artery route for Cornwall
There are two alternatives to come off and head for ‘Yellow Sands’
Either
Follow the ‘Atlantic Highway’ on the A39 – to do so turn off right onto A395 just after Launceston, this takes you across the Wilsey Down, at road end turn left for Camelford, keep on the A39, straight down to Wadebridge – from which you travel along the by-pass, crossing the river Camel and turning off approximately 1 mile after the ‘Showground’ and heading for Padstow on the A389, at next junctions, follow signs for Harlyn Bay – This route is quite scenic, but not the quickest being virtually single carriageway
Or
Carry on the A30 to Bodmin taking you over the Bodmin Moor, turn off for Bodmin/Wadebridge, picking up the A389 road towards Wadebridge, this road eventually takes you to a roundabout joining you to the A39 as above, and along the Wadebridge by-pass etc.
Once at the bridge by the beach at Harlyn, follow the road up the hill, our entrance for the cottages is the last entrance on the right – Please drive in and onto the ‘chipped’ driveway, we will be looking out for you!
By Air
Newquay Airport (www.newquaycornwallairport.com) is approximately 7 miles from Harlyn Bay, with Year round flights available to and from London Gatwick – please check site for other flight locations. Car Hire is available from the airport/Newquay or a taxi service is available. Flights also go out of Newquay for trips to the Isles of Scilly
By Rail
Bodmin Parkway Station is the nearest stop by rail. A public bus service runs to and from the station No.555 runs from Bodmin to Padstow, then the 556 or a taxi to Harlyn Bay
Location
Harlyn Bay – Padstow – Cornwall – PL28 8SE
OS. Reference : SW87707550
Situated on the eastern side of Trevose Head. The cliffs at Trevose Head give superb views towards Pentire Head and Newquay across the sea. Two thirds of a mile of fine sand and pebbles are backed by the dunes which are themselves surrounded by cliffs towards Cataclews Point. These cliffs form Big Guns Cove. The south-east corner of Harlyn village provides the main access to the beach, next to a stream which flows to the sea – guests of Yellow Sands have use of a pathway through the garden, which leads towards and down the dunes to the centre of the bay.
The remains of an old Iron age cemetery were discovered behind the beach below the sand – including gold ingots, now on view at Truro Museum. An inshore lifeboat is based at Harlyn, with a lifeguard service provided through the season. The beach is cleaned regularly, there is a beach shop, cafe and pub adjacent to the beach – The Kelly’s Cornish ice cream van frequents the bathers during the summer months (Mmmmm!)
Surfing Information – When the swell is big on the west facing beaches and the wind is from a southwest direction, Harlyn will be the best wave around. The horseshoe shaped bay produces waves from low through to high providing rights off a rock at the east of the beach – Suitable for All levels – Tides: Surfable at all tides – Dangers: other users, hollow waves breaking into shallow water, rocks, rips at high tide.
There are surfing lessons available at Harlyn – contact Chris Rea www.harlynsurfschool.co.uk The hire of wetsuits and boards are available at the beach shop or at the local village of St. Merryn
There are many fine walks on the coastal path, including specially designed circular walks – details of which are available from the Padstow Tourist Information Office www.padstowlive.com
