LOCATION GUIDE: NANJIZAL BEACH – PENWITH BEACHES
June 11th, 2021
If you’re looking for a quiet, secluded and dog-friendly beach while on your holiday, then Nanjizal Beach might just be the location for you! Especially if you’re staying in one of our dog-friendly cottages in Truro, Cornwall.
Where is Nanjizal Beach?
Nanjizal Beach is a beautiful and secluded spot in the Cornish town of Penzance. Full of natural stone sculptures, caves and freshwater waterfalls, it’s a truly stunning location that is well worth the trip.
How to Get to Nanjizal Beach
When we say secluded, we’re not exaggerating. Nanjizal Beach is about an hours walk from the nearest road or car park, but we promise it’s worth the journey!
How to Get to Nanjizal Beach by Car
As one of Cornwall’s best-kept secrets, you won’t find any signposts to this beach. But fret not! With our directions, you’ll be able to find it with no problem.
From The Valley, take the A30 towards Penzance but turn off when you see the directions for Land’s End. Before you reach Land’s End, keep an eye out for a signpost for Trevascan. Turn left here, and you’ll find a place to park either on the road or in a lay-by in the village.
On foot, head past the Appletree Café, and you’ll see a bus stop on your right. Behind the bus stop, you’ll find a small courtyard of houses, head down the home’s left-hand side, and follow the footpath towards Trevilley Farm.
Make your journey through the farm and fields, and head towards the sea. After several fields, you will reach a kissing gate. Follow this path towards the coast and make sure you keep right when the left turn appears. Follow the path along the top of the valley, and it will eventually lead down to the small cove of Nanjizal.
How to Get to Nanjizal Beach on Foot
However you travel to Nanjizal Beach, it will involve a trek – which is perfect if you’re on a hiking holiday!
There are two main ways of walking to Nanjizal Beach. You can make the 47-minute walk North/ North-West along the South West Coastal Path from Porthgwarra Beach to Nanjizal Beach. Or, if you want to make the most of all Cornwall has to offer, you can follow the path South/South-East from Land’s End and make it to Nanjizal in half an hour.
Whatever way you decide to take, make sure you bring water to keep hydrated and maybe even a picnic so you can bask in the beauty of the Cornish coast.
Are Dogs Allowed on Nanjizal Beach?
Another brilliant aspect of this hidden gem is that dogs are allowed all year round! That means you can make the trip with all the family. Plus, by the time you’ve made it back to your car, your furry friend will have dried off after the inevitable splash in the shallows!
What is at Nanjizal Beach?
As far as facilities, there are none. What makes Nanjizal Beach so magical is how unspoilt it is. It’s all part of the charm.
There is plenty of wildlife to see, making it an excellent spot for bird watchers; Chiffchaff, Whitethroat and Blackcap breed here. There are also a few large rock pools in the area that could house all manner of sea life.
The thing Nanjizal is known for is the fantastic and naturally occurring stone structures, one of which being the famous Diamond Horse; this nickname is due to it having a quartz vein running through it which sparkles in the sun. You can find this structure on the north side of the cliff.
On the south side, you’ll find the magnificent rock arch called ‘Zawn Pyg’, also known as ‘Song of the Sea’.
Nanjizal Beach is one of the most beautiful, best-kept secrets in Cornwall, but there are some things to note. Depending on the time of year and the recent tides, the beach may not be a golden, sandy haven but a slightly rocky cove. There’s also no lifeguard cover for this beach, so take extra care with swimming or snorkelling.
This trip is a must when visiting Cornwall, and if you plan it right, you’ll have an adventure the whole family can join – even the dog!