The Bedruthan Steps, Cornwall
17th November 2023
Along the coast between Padstow and Newquay, the awe-inspiring Bedruthan Steps rise steeply from the ocean and stand in dramatic formation, creating one of Cornwall’s most beautiful natural wonders. Said to have been the stepping stones used by the giant Bedruthan to cut across the water, myth and legend still permeate the area, crafting a stretch of coastline that ignites wonder in all who gaze upon it.
About Bedruthan Steps
A wild and rugged stretch of coast in North Cornwall, it is said that the land around Carnewas and the Bedruthan Steps was once ruled by a giant. One of the youngest of Cornish folklore’s gargantuan beings, Bedruthan the Giant cut an enormous frame, dominating the landscapes and clifftops. Both fearsome and fearless, he commanded the area for years, but as with all legendary figures, he eventually vanished into the annals of time – leaving only his stepping stones behind, the Bedruthan Steps…
A magical backdrop to the beach, the Bedruthan Steps comprise five rock stacks that have withstood countless years of unruly wind and waves. Towering above the bubbling swells below, they each have their own unique character, and, from north to south, they are named Queen Bess, Samaritan Island, Redcove Island, Pendarves Island and Carnewas Island.
Things to do at Bedruthan Steps
Rich in history and immensely photogenic, the Bedruthan Steps are a must-see for the romantics and wonder-lovers. Just a short walk from a National Trust car park and café, you can soak up the breathtaking views from many viewpoints along the cliffs. During the autumn and winter months, Bedruthan Steps becomes a favoured place for storm watching, with the already stunning coast turning cinematic in its swirling concoction of wind, rain, and sea.
For those who desire a restorative experience, the Bedruthan Spa sits above the windswept coastline and boasts a soul-quenching offering. Let your mind relax in the sensory garden or book in for a holistic treatment to soothe both body and soul. A beautiful restaurant and welcoming café overlooking the Atlantic beckon for expertly crafted dishes, perfect for fuelling your coastal exploration.
A landscape full of breathtaking, rugged glory, you can easily lose hours lounging at the foot of these giant stacks in summer or gazing down in reverent awe from the cliff tops in winter, basking in the splendour of Mother Nature. Whether you believe in giants or not, it’s easy to allow your imagination to run wild here as you take it all in.
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