Walk 3 - Porthtowan, Banns Vale, Mount Hawke and Chapel Porth

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A few yards on we take the public footpath signposted on the right. We are now in Chapel Coombe which is a quiet and gently sloping path, but there is evidence of mining with many shafts and there are warning posts all around indicating spoil heaps on the hilltop. After you have passed the pumping house of Charlotte United continue towards the sea until you reach the wide coastal path on the left. If at this stage you are feeling a little thirsty or peckish or need a 'comfort stop' continue down to Chapel Porth where you will usually find these facilities (somewhat improved since 1927); it is also a lovely spot to stop for a 'breather'. But it now means you must retrace your steps back up to the path.

This wide track was built by American servicemen in June 1944 with a wooden bridge over the stream at the bottom.

Great Wheal Charlotte L was once an important copper producing mine and was opened (or reopened) in 1820 and rich copper ore found. It is believed to have ceased working in the mid 1800s. The one wall remaining is the large 'bob wall', on this wall the large metal bob (or beam) pivoted. The inside end was connected to a 60 inch engine and the outside end to the wooden pump rod that went down the shaft to pump the mine dry. It is worth taking the detour on the left to see it closely before returning to the coast path. As you are returning to Porthtowan do look directly ahead and on a clear day you will see Godrevy Point and St. Ives. Somewhat nearer, you have a view of Porthtowan beach itself, it was here in 1998 that a 700lb leatherback turtle was found. The leatherback is an endangered species which feeds mainly on jellyfish, this one later died, as it had mistakenly swallowed a discarded plastic bag, it was believed to have been about 80 years old and is now preserved in the St Agnes Museum. Continue to follow the coast path, which leads you back over the hill above Porthtowan to your start but do watch your step as it can be rather rough in places.