Access
The only vehicle access to Trebarwith Strand is via a dead-end lane running down a narrow valley and parking is extremely limited, particularly in high season. Drivers from Tintagel can take a shortcut through the village of Treknow, but this involves a breathtaking descent to the stream at the south end of the village, and an equally hair-raising climb up from the other side of the stream. This route is certainly not worth the short cut, which saves only a little distance, for any vehicle larger than an ordinary family car.
A far more pleasant way of reaching Trebarwith from Tintagel is to walk along the South West Coast Path which offers stunning coastal views and in addition passes some interesting boreholes and other remnants of the cliff quarry workings which were in operation in this area from the 15th century up to the beginning of World War II.
TREBARWITH STRAND
About
Trebarwith strand is approximately a mile and half south of Tintagel and can be reached on foot along the coast path by St Materiana's Church at Tintagel or via Treknow or Trewarmett. Trebarwith with its vast cliffs, dark caves and fine golden sand with Gull rock, almost reminiscent of a dogs head, keeping watch off shore, make an excellent scene.
Surfing and bathing
Frequent strong winds off the Atlantic Ocean make for excellent surfing and the sands are ideal for children, but the state of the tide has a major impact on the beach. As the tide comes in, the sands are swiftly submerged by the incoming seas until all that is left of the beach is the rocks at the base of the cliffs. Unwary visitors can easily be cut off by the rising waters. There is a lifeguard service provided by Tintagel Surf Lifesaving Club.
Natural history
When the tide is at its lowest the sea recedes 300 yards and an expanse of sand in excess of ½ mile wide is uncovered, offering excellent opportunities for walking and littoral discoveries. The rockpools at the base of the cliffs create a perfect places for small fish and crabs to hide until the tide turns, and there is an abundance of small crustaceans such as periwinkles, limpets and mussels clinging in clusters to the rocks. The best way to see the various small sea creatures is to break open a periwinkle with a stone and throw it into one of the larger rock pools.