Attractions and Places To See around Carharrack - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Carharrack include a blend of historical mining heritage and natural landscapes in west Cornwall. The area is part of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring relics of its industrial past. Notable natural features include Carn Marth, offering views over the countryside, and Stithians Lake, a significant natural feature. The Redruth-Chasewater Trail provides opportunities for walking and cycling through the region's varied terrain.
Best attractions and places to see around Carharrack
- The most popular attractions is Carnon Viaduct, a historical site that carries the Truro to Falmouth railway line. This impressive structure features 9 stone arches and stands on the masonry piers of an original viaduct designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
- Another must-see spot is Portreath Beach, a viewpoint located in a small village on the Cornish coast. Visitors can expect a beautiful sandy beach popular with surfers and families, along with cafes, restaurants, and pubs.
- Visitors also love Chapel Porth Beach, a beach offering great views and a stopping point with its cafe. This beach is known for its beauty at low tide and is a popular spot along the coastal path.
- Carharrack is known for its historical sites, natural viewpoints, and beaches. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from mining heritage to coastal scenery and walking routes.
- The attractions around Carharrack are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 25 upvotes and over 15 photos shared.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Carn Marth and Hick's Quarry Pool
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Carnon Viaduct
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Portreath Beach
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Basset's Cove
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Greywacken: Gray rock with fine to coarse grains (0.3 - 2 mm; 0.01 - 0.08 inch), consisting of quartz, feldspars and fragments of foreign rocks. In some cases, shiny/shimmering components can be seen (mica), the rocks form layers and banks.
Siltstones: Light gray rock with fine grains (<0.063 mm; <0.002 inch) that are not visible to the naked eye. Layers can be recognized based on the color difference.
Slate: Gray to black, sometimes slightly red to greenish colored rocks with very fine grains (<0.02 mm, <0.001 inch), the rocks appear foliated with very thin layers, often alternating with greywackes.
The originally horizontal sedimentary layers of Cornwall were tectonically overprinted around 323 - 299 million years ago during the Variscan orogeny (mountain formation). During this time, the southern major continent Gondwana collided with the northern major continents Laurentia and Baltica as well as smaller continent fragments (terranes) such as Avalonia and Amorica. The orogeny ended approximately 270 million years ago with the formation of the supercontinent Pangea. Due to the pressure from the south, the sedimentary rocks were compressed, folded and internally transformed under increasing temperatures. This is how slates emerged from the original claystones. There are no deposits in the area for the period between the formation of the Devonian rocks until 3 million years ago. During the Ice Age 3 million years ago, the region of modern-day Cornwall lay in a tundra area south of the glaciers that covered the Northern Hemisphere. Periglacial deposits from this period can be observed on the cliffs.
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Chapel Porth Beach
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Tips from the Community
Breathtaking views. Especially when combined with the blooming heather!
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Worth climb to the cairn for the downhill section on the main access road. Then drop into single track round the back lanes of Carharrack. Sweet! :)
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Great coast to coast route across mid Cornwall mainly off road trails and occasional quiet roads. Coffee stops, pub stops, great scenery, mining history and coastal views. There is nothing to dislike about this route.
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The Carnon Viaduct passes over the Carnon River as part of the Falmouth to Truro railway line. The impressive 9 stone arches were completed in 1933. The original viaduct was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. The stone piers of the former viaduct can be seen next to the existing viaduct.
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Chapel Porth is a great beach in a narrow inlet. When the tide comes in it's quite small, but at low tide it's a huge sandy expanse with some caves to explore. On the headland opposite are the remains of some old mining buildings. There is a good little cafΓ© behind the car park.
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Portreath marks the start, or finish of the Cornwall coast to coast off road trail. There is an excellent cafe shack run by the Portreath Bakery on the seafront and lots of benches next door so you don't have to worry about getting your bike sandy to sit down with a beautiful sea view. The beach is popular with experienced surfers and families. There are public toilets and a car park closeby. Behind the harbour wall is Portreath Rock Pool, which is an excellent wild swimming spot when the sea is rough or for children. It was created by blowing a hole in the rock to create the pool and then adding a concrete dam. It is swimmable a few hours either side of low tide and is known locally as 'Rocky Pool'.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore around Carharrack?
Carharrack is rich in mining heritage, being part of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can explore relics of the industrial past, including abandoned engine houses and the Carharrack Trail 1, which features the "Shute," Ting Tang railway tracks, and old Coal Yards. The Carnon Viaduct is another significant historical site, carrying the Truro to Falmouth railway line on masonry piers of an original viaduct designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
Are there any natural viewpoints with scenic views near Carharrack?
Yes, the area offers several stunning viewpoints. Carn Marth and Hick's Quarry Pool provides incredible views over the rural Cornish countryside from its 755-foot summit. Coastal viewpoints include Portreath Beach, Chapel Porth Beach, and Basset's Cove, all offering breathtaking sea views and coastal scenery.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near Carharrack?
The region around Carharrack is excellent for outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking, running, and cycling on various trails. The Redruth-Chasewater Trail, part of Cornwall's Mineral Tramway Trails, is a popular choice for walking and cycling. For more specific routes, you can find options like the 'Carnon Viaduct β Poldice Mine Loop' for running or the 'Tresavean Trail' for cycling. Explore more options on the Running Trails around Carharrack, Hiking around Carharrack, and Cycling around Carharrack guide pages.
Are there family-friendly attractions or activities in the Carharrack area?
Yes, there are several family-friendly options. Portreath Beach and Chapel Porth Beach are popular sandy beaches suitable for families. Stithians Lake, located about 3.2 miles away, is an activity center for all ages. For a unique experience, Horse Riding Cornwall offers horse riding for ages 4 and up, and Mega Slip and Slide Cornwall is a nearby outdoor water park attraction.
Where can I find good walking routes around Carharrack?
Carharrack offers a variety of walking routes, many of which explore the area's mining heritage and natural beauty. The Carharrack Trail 1 is a local historical walk. For longer excursions, the Redruth-Chasewater Trail provides a long-distance footpath. You can find easy hiking routes like the 'Carn Marth Quarry Pool β View of Carn Brea loop from Lanner' or the 'Gwennap Pit β Carn Marth Quarry Pool loop from Carharrack'. More hiking options are available on the Hiking around Carharrack guide page.
Are there any beaches near Carharrack?
Yes, Carharrack is conveniently located for accessing several beautiful Cornish beaches. Portreath Beach is a popular sandy beach with facilities, cafes, and pubs. Chapel Porth Beach is known for its beauty at low tide and is a great spot along the coastal path. Basset's Cove also offers a scenic beach experience.
What is the best time of year to visit Carharrack attractions?
The best time to visit Carharrack and its surrounding attractions is generally during the spring, summer, and early autumn months. The weather is milder and more conducive to outdoor activities like hiking and exploring the coastal paths. Some sections of the coastal path, such as near Chapel Porth, can be closed in winter due to erosion, so it's advisable to check local conditions if planning a winter visit.
Are there places to swim near Carharrack?
Yes, there are a few options for swimming. Hick's Quarry Pool, a former granite quarry now filled with water, is located near Carn Marth and is known as a spot for a swim. Additionally, the nearby beaches like Portreath Beach and Chapel Porth Beach are popular for sea swimming, especially during warmer months.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Carharrack?
Visitors particularly enjoy the blend of historical mining heritage and natural beauty. The incredible views from places like Carn Marth are highly praised. The sandy beaches such as Portreath Beach and Chapel Porth Beach are loved for their scenic beauty and family-friendly atmosphere. The engineering marvel of the Carnon Viaduct also fascinates many.
Are there any cafes or pubs near the walking routes in Carharrack?
Yes, you can find places for refreshments. The village of Carharrack itself has local facilities, including the Carharrack Stars pub. Near Portreath Beach, there are plenty of cafes, restaurants, and three pubs. Chapel Porth Beach also has a cafe, making it a good stopping point during walks along the coastal path.
What is the significance of the mining landscape around Carharrack?
The mining landscape around Carharrack is of immense historical and cultural significance, recognized as part of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area's past is deeply rooted in the 19th-century mining industry, with sites like the Consolidated Mines once employing thousands. Visitors can explore engine houses, mines, and trails that tell the story of this industrial heritage, such as the Carharrack Trail 1 and the former Ting Tang mine and railway.
Most popular attractions around Carharrack
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