How to Reach Nanjizal Beach – Mill Bay Cornwall

How to Reach Nanjizal Beach – Mill Bay Cornwall

Nanjizal is an absolute gem of a Cornish beach, tucked away near the western tip of Cornwall on the South West coastal path between Porthcurno Beach and Land’s End. Nanjizal also known as Mill Bay (due to the remains of a mill in the valley above the beach) is a slice of English paradise. Although it has lately become well-known on Instagram it still seems to retain a magical feel with none of the hoards of the busier, more accessible beaches on this coastline.

What you need to know about Nanjizal Beach

First off, visiting at low tide is most advisable as at high tide there is no beach!

If you’re looking for beach facilities such as cafes, lifeguards, toilets, and easy access then Nanjizal is not for you! You will have a fair walk to get down there. It’s most definitely not a walk for taking pushchairs and beach trolleys, you will need a trusty rucksack or two and steady feet! The quickest route is 25 minutes long with a short steep descent, followed by a few steep wooden steps and a clamber across some boulders onto the sand.

Now the practical family stuff has been said, let’s discuss what you will find at Nanjizal beach. Following a Famous Five-style walk down to Nanjizal beach you will be greeted by picture postcard views, a waterfall tumbling down towards the sea, golden sands, and crystal clear water. If this was not enough you could be fortunate enough to see a seal bobbing about close to shore.

The Song of the Sea is a tall sea cave, with a narrow slit at one end and 2 natural pools divided by a rocky reef. The crystal clear turquoise waters and the magical light are positively dreamy. Time it right with low tide for a dip in the pool. In the late afternoon, the light will create a beautiful reflection, and sunset or sunrise would be an absolute treat.

How to Reach Nanjizal Beach

There are 3 routes to Nanjizal Beach; the closest access by car outside the village of Trethewey, the coastal path from the Poldark famous beach of Porthgwarra, or the more adventurous route from Land’s End.

Porthgwarra Beach Route

Park up at the beach car park (ranging in price from £2-£6.50) here you will find a small cafe that is popular amongst Poldark fans for being the skinny dipping filming location! This route is a 45 minute walk and is an easier walking route than Land’s End.

Land’s End Route

Parking at Land’s End is plentiful and is priced at £7 all day. Plenty of food options and a play park beware it is very busy in the summer months but once on the coastal path, you will avoid the crowds. I have heard that this coastal path is not for the faint-hearted and most definitely for older children.

Trethewey Route

Our preferred choice! We parked up in a small lay-by that would fit around 4 cars just off the B3315 (some cars had parked closer up to the footpath). Travelling from Penzance, pass a playing field on your right and then turn left up a narrow lane signposted Porthgwarra. If coming from Sennen pass by the small duck pond on your left and at the sharp left-hand bend take the road to Porthgwarra- it’s on your right as the road bends to the left.

Once you’ve ditched the car, follow the narrow country lane uphill until you reach some cottages on your left and the track is a few metres ahead on your right. The footpath is flanked by hedges on either side. Follow the footpath to Bosistow farmhouse ( a beautiful holiday rental cottage).

Walk through the old farmyard keeping the farmhouse to your right and you will reach a small country lane. Here you turn left. Just a little way down the lane is a gate to your right (before you reach another cottage) which leads to the footpath.

This path takes you to another gate and down towards Nanjizzal Beach. As I mentioned previously, the path descends until you finally reach the wooden steps to access the beach.

What we loved about Nanjizal Beach

We enjoyed everything! The walk was just the right distance for us all on a cool summer day, the kids were excited to see the song of the sea cave. They enjoyed scrabbling around the waterfall rocks and dipping in the sea cave and Dougie (the husband) enjoyed swimming a safe distance from a lone seal. The teenagers enjoyed the opportunity to take a few snaps on their phones and were impressed by sea cave waters. We returned to the car with a hungry appetite ready for dinner after a wholesome family afternoon.