Braving the Edge: Cape Cornwall & Wild Swimming at Priest Cove

If you know me, or have been reading The Great Cornish Outdoors for a while, you’ll know at least two things: I love sea swimming, and I enjoy the experience of a new tidal pool. This adventure isn’t just about the swim. It’s about a solo trip to west Cornwall and making my own discoveries.

Admittedly, my microadventure to Cape Cornwall was, in part, connected to a longstanding working relationship I have with Burts Chips. As one of their content creators, I wanted to shoot somewhere new and different to add interest and a sense of adventure. Needless to say, swimming in as many of Cornwall’s tidal pools as possible is on my mental checklist so heading to Priest Cove at Cape Cornwall seemed a no brainer.

At the lookout at Cape Cornwall

After parking in the National Trust car park at Cape Cornwall, I strolled to the headland. The last time I was here was a few years ago on a painting course and walking here ignited some great memories of drawing on the coast.

I’d highly recommend scaling the headland to The Stack, where you’ll also pass the Coastguard lookout. The Stack is actually the remains of Cape Cornwall Tin Mine, gifted to the National Trust from the Heinz company. Who knew baked beans were connected with Cornwall?! While hiking up headland will lead to a healthy dose of thigh burn, it’s worth it.

The circular walk to St Just and through the Cot Valley

I headed off towards St Just, taking the coast path going towards Botallack and taking a track towards the village. This meets up with the road so compared to the coast, it’s not the most picturesque walk but it is peaceful.

I’ve not really spent much time in St Just before but it really is a sweet little place. There’s not a lot to do, but I enjoyed strolling around. There’s a lovely coffee shop in the square and some art galleries worth a browse. I spent some time pursuing the Jackson Art Foundation and the Makers Emporium, which is full of different and interesting goods from local creatives.

During my wander, I stumbled upon a lovely small thrift shop. It’s the St Just Free Church Charity Shop and it’s on one of the back roads from the bus station. I may’ve come away empty handing but enjoyed having a good look around, you never know what you might find.

From St Just, I headed back to the coast via the Cot Valley. This involved more walking on the road. Walking to the valley is actually very pretty. It’s remote and peaceful with some beautiful houses. Let’s face it, the only cars here are for those who live here or are heading for a coastal walk. The sea views soon arrived and despite being a grey, dreary day, the sea close to the shore at Porth Nanven, or Dinosaur Egg Beach, was glowing. If you like the look of Porth Nanven, there is a small amount of parking her. Simply walking the coast from here to Priests Cove is glorious!

I was pleased to get back to Priest Cove. It may not have been a warm day but I had definitely worked up a sweat walking the circular. I was ready for a swim and with a flask of hot chocolate in my bag, I was looking forward to cracking that open afterwards.

Swimming in Priest Cove tidal pool

Usually, when it comes to dipping in the sea, I just go for it. Today though, I was a tad self conscious. There were art students on the edge of Priest Cove enjoying some plein air painting and I had to film for content. At these times, I have to press on and shut out the fact that People Can See!

The tidal pool is easy to find, as long as it’s low tide, of course. If you’re thinking of going, it’s not massively deep, I could stand in all areas. It’s slippery under foot though so you may find yourself under water before you’re ready. With my visit being in the midst of autumn, the sea temperature was dropping. However, sea swimming this time of year is when it’s easiest. I’ve not been in the sea as much as I’d like lately so I was bracing myself. Thankfully, the water was still refreshing and bearable.

In fact, I enjoyed it so much, I found it hard to get out! I had the tidal pool to myself which is always a bonus. I lazed and lolled around in the water; admittedly not a great of actual swimming took place but sometimes that’s enough and all you need.

After changing back into my warm clothes, I sat on the rocks, munching my crisps with a hot chocolate. A reward worth having before hopping back in my car and heading home.