Explore the Mount Hawke - Porthtowan Loop
Location: St Agnes, England
This 8.6 km loop combines quiet country lanes around Mount Hawke with a section of exposed coastal path. It’s a route of two halves; about 55% is paved, with the rest on trails and tracks which can be rocky in places. For that reason, a road-to-trail shoe is a safe choice, especially after wet weather. You can start it at any point, but running it clockwise from Mount Hawke gives a logical flow.
The first section takes you on lanes and farm tracks, descending towards the coast at Porthtowan. This is where the route opens up to the sea. You’ll join the South West Coast Path here, heading towards Chapel Porth. Expect the footing to become more technical, with some uneven ground and a steady, sustained climb up along the cliffs. This part of the run accounts for a good portion of the overall elevation gain.
Once you pass Chapel Porth, the route turns back inland through the wooded valley of Chapel Combe. The surface underfoot becomes less demanding, shifting to field-edge paths and tracks. The terrain continues to roll gently as you complete the loop back towards Mount Hawke. The 123m of ascent is noticeable, but it’s spread out enough that the run feels varied rather than a hard climb, making it a solid training route for mixed-terrain practice.