St Agnes Head from Porthtowan

This is an 8.5 km out-and-back run, starting in Porthtowan and following a section of the South West Coast Path to St Agnes Head. The route is entirely off-road, so trail shoes are required for grip on the varied surfaces. You can expect a mix of packed earth tracks and more technical, rocky sections underfoot. Given its exposed coastal position, the path can become slippery after rain.

With over 260m of ascent packed into a short distance, the elevation profile is demanding. This is a classic coastal run, defined by a series of sharp climbs away from the coves and steep descents back towards the water. The gradients are often punishing enough to reduce you to a walk, making this a good choice for a tough leg workout rather than a tempo effort. The climbs are frequent but never sustained for too long.

From the start in Porthtowan, you follow the cliff path north. The route keeps you high above the Atlantic for long stretches, before you reach the turnaround point at St Agnes Head. Navigation is simple as you just retrace your steps. Be prepared to tackle the same hills on the way back, which gives you a clear sense of the work you did on the way out.