Delightful but tiny rocky cove
Web: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/port-quin
St. Minver Highlands Parish Council
Port Quin is a small rugged inlet harbour on the North Cornish coast a mile west of Port Isaac that has a compelling atmosphere all of its own. It is accessed from a lane off the B3314. A place of peace and tranquillity on a summer's day, and conversely, awe inspiring during a winter storm. Local folklore recounts that the entire fishing fleet was destroyed at sea one stormy night, there were no survivors.
The women of the village tried to carry on without their men but, eventually, the hardship became intolerable and Port Quin was left deserted, with the fishermen's cottages falling into disrepair and ruin. Today, there is little here but four National Trust holiday cottages and a few other buildings converted from old stone built fish warehouses.
Approach by road and park in the small National Trust Car Park overlooking the harbour or, for those with stamina, take the coastal path from Port Isaac, not very far, but with steep gradients. You have been warned!
In February 1700 the East Indiaman 'Thornton' was wrecked at Port Quin.
Doyden Point
The headland on the southern side of the inlet to Port Quin is known as Doyden Point. The small castle like building is another National Trust holiday property. Doyden Castle was built in 1830 as a retreat for a local businessman, where, it is reputed the partying and gambling were quite excessive! Nearby is Doyden House, also a National Trust holiday property.
Lundy Bay
Walking south along the cliff path from Doyden, you will come across the comparatively sheltered Lundy Bay. The bay may also be reached from a car park on the Polzeath road, it is about half a mile walk to the bay and the almost inaccessible Lundy Beach. This is a somewhat remote and protected area of coastal land that gives shelter and nesting cover to many species of birds amongst the coastal shrubs and thick natural vegetation.
Port Gaverne Port Isaac Polzeath Trebarwith Strand Wadebridge
Longcross Victorian Gardens The Coastal Footpath