Highlight • Natural
Road cycling
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Cawsand Beach is a picturesque east-facing beach nestled on the Rame Peninsula in southeast Cornwall, England. This charming blend of shingle and sand overlooks Plymouth Sound, forming an integral part of the historic twin villages of Cawsand and Kingsand. Situated at a low elevation of just 9 meters above sea level, it's a key feature of an area often referred to as "Cornwall's Forgotten Corner," offering a tranquil seaside escape.
Visitors consistently praise the beach for its calm, clear, and…
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Tips
January 4, 2019
Road cycling
January 4, 2019
Road cycling
June 28, 2022
Road cycling
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Cawsand Beach
4.9
(13)
58
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25.7km
01:43
410m
410m
4.9
(10)
49
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25.1km
01:38
380m
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Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(6)
155
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Details
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Elevation 10 m
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Dogs are welcome on Cawsand Beach for most of the year. However, seasonal restrictions are in place from July 1st to August 31st, during which dogs are not permitted on the beach between 10 am and 6 pm. Outside of these hours and dates, your canine companions can enjoy the beach.
Yes, Cawsand Beach serves as an excellent starting point for various walks. You can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the shore to the twin village of Kingsand, which is just a short walk away. For more adventurous hikers, the beach is within Mount Edgcumbe Country Park, offering numerous trails, including routes towards Rame Head, providing stunning coastal views and opportunities for circular walks.
The walk from Cawsand Beach to Kingsand is a very short and pleasant stroll. It typically takes only about 5-10 minutes to walk between the two villages, as they are essentially conjoined, separated by a historic stream.
During the summer months, a popular and scenic way to reach Cawsand Beach from Plymouth is via the passenger ferry service, which also carries bikes. This ferry runs from Plymouth Hoe directly to Cawsand Bay. Additionally, there are frequent bus services connecting the Rame Peninsula, including Cawsand, to Plymouth, which is approximately three miles across Plymouth Sound.
Parking in Cawsand can be limited, especially during peak season. While there are some public car parks, they tend to fill up quickly. It's often recommended to arrive early, particularly in summer, to secure a spot. Some visitors opt to use the passenger ferry from Plymouth to avoid parking challenges altogether.
Cawsand Bay is known for its marine life. During the summer months, visitors often report spotting dolphins playing in the blue waters of the bay. The rock pools at low tide also offer opportunities to observe small crabs, anemones, and other intertidal creatures. The surrounding Rame Peninsula is also rich in birdlife.
While Cawsand and Kingsand are small villages, they offer a range of charming accommodation options, including guesthouses, B&Bs, and holiday cottages available for rent. There are no large hotels directly on the beach, but plenty of local choices provide a traditional Cornish village experience.
Cawsand Beach generally offers easy access, including a convenient slipway that leads directly onto the shingle and sand. This slipway can make it easier for those with prams or wheelchairs to get closer to the beach. However, the beach itself is a mix of shingle and sand, which can be challenging for wheelchairs, and the surrounding village streets are narrow and winding.
Cawsand Beach is very family-friendly due to its calm, clear, and sheltered waters. Popular activities include swimming, building sandcastles, and exploring the numerous rock pools at low tide. During summer, kayaking and paddleboarding are also popular, with equipment often available for hire. The nearby villages offer cafes and shops for refreshments.
Yes, the area is rich in history. You can still see remains of old pilchard cellars from the late 16th century along the shoreline, which were used for processing fish. The villages themselves have a fascinating past as a hub for smuggling. Further afield, coastal fortifications like Cawsand Fort played a strategic role in guarding Plymouth Sound.
Cawsand Beach and Kingsand Beach are essentially two parts of the same stretch of coastline, separated by a small stream. Both are picturesque, east-facing, and offer a mix of shingle and sand with calm, sheltered waters. They share a similar charming village atmosphere, with pubs and cafes easily accessible from either. The main difference is their exact location within the twin villages, but visitors can easily walk between them.
Yes, Cawsand Beach is considered suitable for wild swimming due to its generally calm, clear, and sheltered waters within the bay. There aren't specific designated 'wild swimming spots' as the entire bay offers good conditions. Swimmers should always be mindful of local conditions, boat traffic, and tide times, and consider using a brightly colored tow float for visibility.