Walking with Wendy: A Winter Coastal Loop from Graze Tapas & Wine, Newquay, Cornwall
For Wendy (pictured on the left), winter walking along the South West Coast Path is truly invigorating — from dramatic stormy seas and unexpected wildlife encounters to the rare, peaceful quiet that settles over the town. It’s a season Wendy relishes: a time to slow down, reconnect with nature, and reset before the energy of the new season begins.
When the weather’s good, there’s nothing more enjoyable than a bracing winter walk in Cornwall along our beautiful stretch of the South West Coast Path in Newquay. It skirts the coastline and passes almost in front of our door, starting and finishing on Beacon Road, right outside Graze Tapas & Wine – our Newquay restaurant near the South West Coast Path.
We’re close enough to the coast that you can hear the sea before you’ve even taken your first step.
This loop is one of my longer regular walks, usually enjoyed with a friend and a dog or two — which always adds to the fun. Newquay’s coastline offers a special mix of rugged cliffs, open headland, estuary calm and a gentle return through gardens and old railway arches. It’s a route that showcases just how much variety you can experience on a Newquay coastal walk, and it’s even more magical in winter when the crowds are at home keeping warm.
Leaving Graze & Joining the Gazzle
Turn left from Graze and pick up the path towards the Gazzle, a dramatic section of the Newquay coastal cliffs carved by centuries of Atlantic swell. This is a classic section of the South West Coast Path and one of the best-known Newquay walking routes.
The cliffs have plenty of ledges popular with nesting seabirds, and in winter especially you’ve a good chance of spotting pods of common dolphin. We also keep an eye out for the Surfrider whale, recently sighted around the Isles of Scilly, and often expected to move through Cornwall as it feeds before heading further south.
Alongside whales and dolphins, Newquay is home to a healthy population of grey seals, often mistaken from a distance for hardy surfers or cold-water swimmers.
The Gazzle path is paved closest to town and well-trodden, offering excellent vantage points to look down into the rock formations and sea caves shaped by tides and storms.
PLEASE NOTE: A significant cliff fall on the 31st January 2026 above Newquay harbour has made the Coast Path impassable at this point – please follow diversion signs. Further information HERE.
Towan Headland: Big Views & Wildlife Watching
Continue along the Coast Path towards Towan Headland, where the landscape opens instantly: sea on all sides, sky above, and the path winding around the edge. This exposed stretch is one of the most recognisable viewpoints on any South West Coast Path walk in Newquay, so I always check the weather app and the tides before setting out.
Being an Aussie who’s lived in the UK for over twenty years, I’m still not fond of the damp cold the Cornish north coast can bring — but on a clear winter’s day, this section is unbeatable. Views stretch as far as Trevose Head, and many marine wildlife sightings logged by groups like Surfers Against Sewage and Cornwall Wildlife Trust come from this iconic headland.
Down to Fistral, then Climbing to Pentire Headland
Drop down to the top of Fistral Beach, another highlight for anyone searching for Newquay coastal walks or “walks near Fistral Beach”. In summer it’s a hive of surf schools, holidaymakers, and dog walkers, but in winter it becomes a huge open sweep of sand with incredible sunrises and sunsets.
Continue south along the Coast Path as it rises again towards Pentire. Walk past Lewinnick Lodge, perched on the cliff edge — a brilliant warm-up stops on cold days — then return to the path leading out to Pentire Headland point.
This whole area is considered one of the best circular walks in Newquay, thanks to its big Atlantic views and clean coastal air. It’s also another reliable spot for dolphin and whale watching, and on calm tides you may see kayakers or paddleboarders heading towards the Gannel Estuary.
Returning Along the North Side of the Gannel
From Pentire Headland, follow the Coast Path signs inland along the north side of the Gannel Estuary walking route. The shift in atmosphere is immediate: from open, roaring ocean to sheltered estuary quiet.
The Gannel is tidal and known for strong currents, something easily overlooked by summer visitors. At low tide, waders and feeding birds scatter across the mudflats; further inland, you’ll spot boats lifted out of the water for repair or simply wintering before the warmer months return.
This is one of the most peaceful sections of any Newquay walking route, protected from wind and wonderfully calm compared with the Atlantic-facing cliffs.
Cutting in via Trenance Boating Lake & Gardens
As the estuary narrows, cut inland, crossing the main road into town, and follow signs up towards Trenance Boating Lake and Trenance Gardens — one of Newquay’s loveliest green spaces. Ducks, benches, families, cafés, a small museum and even the odd model boat give this area a completely different character from the coast.
Carry on through Trenance Gardens, crossing the stone bridge and following the path under the historic Newquay railway viaduct. The archway makes a natural transition point between the calm of the gardens and the bustle of Newquay town centre.
Through Town & back to Graze
Make your way up towards town, joining Towan Road, then Bank Street and Fore Street, before looping back towards Beacon Road.
If you time your walk towards late afternoon, you’ll find us ready to welcome you at Graze. We open from 5pm year-round, and in winter our covered heated terrace is warm, cosy, and perfect for walkers arriving from a long loop of the South West Coast Path. A glass of something warming and a few pintxos make the perfect reward for a good winter outing!
Newquay Circular Loop Overview
Distance: Approx. 5–6 miles depending on chosen cut-ins
Terrain: Coast Path, cliff tops, estuary edge, gardens, pavements
Best for: Wildlife spotting, varied scenery, a full Newquay experience in one loop
Season notes: Winter offers the highest chance of dolphins and visiting whales offshore
Great for: Dog-friendly walking, moderate-level walkers, and visitors looking for the best circular walks in Newquay
Rail to Trail: Newquay Circular Walk
Check out our Rail to Trail Newquay circular walk that starts and finishes at Newquay train station and follows the same route.
For a map and further information go to: https://www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/walksdb/485/
Graze Tapas and Wine – Exclusive Offers*
Winter Offer for South West Coast Path Association Members who book ahead and identify themselves at the time of booking can enjoy a range of special dining discounts at Graze Tapas & Wine in Newquay, Cornwall. Open Tuesday – Saturday. Closed Sunday and Monday.
Year‑round offer: All SWCPA members receive 10% off food, any time of year, when booking in advance and confirming membership.
Winter walkers’ offer: Throughout February and March, members can enjoy 15% off food on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Tapas Tuesday: Visit on Tuesdays in February & March 2026 to receive 20% off all food.
GRAZE is perched just above Newquay Harbour, at the crossroads connecting Fistral Beach, the harbour and Fore Street.
*Please note: Discounts apply to food only and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer
The South West Coast Path 