We’re so lucky to be surrounded by gorgeous beaches all around us in Cornwall. From well known riding spots to hidden gems I am hoping to cover it all in this blog. I asked our Griggs Equestrian customers what their favourite beaches to ride on are? Written below are our Top 10, plus a few extra tips!

   

The benefits of riding a horse on the beach:

As well as the scenic views, there are many health benefits for you and your horse when it comes to riding on a sandy beach...
  • Toning and strengthening – Being on a beach uses different muscles to walking down a normal path, as there tends to be more movement in the ground encouraging muscles to tone and strengthen for both you and your horse.
  • Rehabilitation – Swimming in the sea is extremely soothing for sore limbs and for healing skin complaints.
  • Fitness – For building up fitness levels long stretches of sand are perfect.
  • A change of scenery – Horses are intelligent so heading out somewhere different is great for their mental wellbeing.
  • Entertainment – Many horses enjoy swimming particularly after a ride on a hot day.
     

Number 1: Perranporth Beach

The most popular beach by far for our followers is Perranporth beach; with it only being 8 miles outside of Newquay it’s certainly a handy spot. At low tide Perranporth beach and neighbouring Penhale sands join, together it's huge 3-mile expanse of sand is truly dreamlike. You can take your horse all the way to Ligger Point, forming one of the largest stretches of unbroken sand on the North Coast. At one end is Perranporth, the beachy town with the high street sitting right next to the sand. Progressing more towards Penhale Point is an extensive network of sand dunes that rise behind the beach, making for the most stunning back drop. Plus If you get your timings right the sunset will be jaw-dropping. Another bonus of Perranporth beach is the car park, suitable for horse boxes and right next to the beach. From here you have a great view of the bay, allowing you to pre-plan your route in order to avoid any other members of the public once riding on the beach. Most of Perranporth's facilities are located towards the town end of the beach. There are rockpools, caves, a stream, Chapel Rock and a small bathing pool on its seaward side. Further along is the Watering Hole, a pub not just overlooking the beach, but right on the beach. Despite its size Perranporth beach can become very busy, particularly as the tide comes in and the beach becomes smaller. But rest assured there is normally room further along the beach, in front of the dunes that is perfect for riding!

 

  

Photos from: glc_show.horses, km_equinee, jld_equestrian & j.b_cob_eventing  

Number 2: Par Sands Beach

Placing second was Par Sands, adjacent to the Southwest coast path, this gorgeous beach is just over half a mile long. With it being only two miles east of Carlyon Bay, it’s well suited for a lot of our St Austell based customers. Backed by stunning dunes, this beach would look glorious on a sunrise ride. The relatively shallow waters off the beach are perfect for a paddle with your horse, definitely one for the equine bucket list! The car park is situated adjacent to the beach, with free parking being in the winter season. So we suggest you wrap up warm in some of our riding coats! From the car park there is easy access to the beach as well as a shop, café, pub and toilets. Par Sands is another beach that could be a little crowded in the summer months so try and plan a day when they’ll be less people, I suggest Saturday as it’s changeover day. Or if you’re brave, a day that isn’t beach and sunbathing weather. If you're planning on swimming with your horse, make sure you can answer all of these questions written below.

  • How deep is the water? Make sure you can get back to shallow water quickly if you need.
  • Is there a gentle slope or a sudden drop? If the floor suddenly drops away your horse could lose its footing and panic.
  • What surface like? Sand, pebbles or large rocks will all provide very different surfaces for your horse to walk on.
  • Is there anything floating in the water? Even pieces of floating wood or seaweed could unnerve your horse.
  • Are there waves? If your horse can’t keep their head above the wave then don’t enter the water.
  • Is the current strong? If so, go no deeper than your horse’s knee height.
  • Is the water safe? From algae to jellyfish, make sure you stay on top of the specific beaches news updates.
 

Photos from: _kim_jane, abbie.heather & sky_pie_7  

Number 3: Gwithian Beach

Closely following is Gwithian beach, a huge sandy beach on the West coast. With beautiful views of Godrevy Point and the famous lighthouse. At low tide you can ride all along the 3 mile stretch to Godrevy point, making for some impressive photos! Dramatic cliffs and windswept sand dunes give this beach real wilderness appeal. If you get peckish there is the Sunset Surf Café and beach shop by the main car park. As well as a couple of places set back in the dunes including the Jam Pot Café (a former 19th century coastguard lookout), so of course that means great views across the bay. With three carparks right next to the beach and a path taking you down onto the beach, accessibility isn’t a problem. If you're heading into the sea, remember to bring, a change of clothes as well as a cooler and a thicker rug for your horse after the ride. If you can, remove the saddle before entering the water. This will not only prevent potential saltwater damage but will also allow better movement for your horse. Perhaps consider a bitless bridle for when they go swimming. Whatever you do, it’s vital you remove any tack which restricts the upward movement of their head, as the horse needs to be able to hold it above the surface to breathe. You should only do this if you are experienced enough, having a neck strap can also help to give you something to hold on to for security, without effecting your horses ability to swim and breathe.

 

Photos from: life_in__the__saddle & staceyanne_96
 

Number 4: The Gannel River

The Gannel river is something a little bit different. The great thing about river riding is you don’t need to worry about the waves. The Gannel is fairly sheltered and with it being 13km long there’s plenty of room if you wanted to go out as a big group. Check the tide timetables before leaving, aim to arrive a couple of hours before low tide. This will give you as much space as possible to ride. Or you can head out just before high tide for swimming. Our staff love the Gannel due to the surface being lovely and flat.

 

 

Photos from: summerswabyy
 

Number 5: Daymer bay

Daymer Bay is a wide and sheltered sandy beach which looks out across the Doom Bar in the Camel Estuary to Hawkers and Harbour Cove. It is bordered by gorgeous dunes and sandhills, backed by Brea Hill. Food, Drink, parking and toilets sit close to the back of the beach too. Perfect for horses, there’s a large car park at the north end of the beach. Unlike a lot of places where horses and dogs are banned in the summer months, horses are allowed all year round here. The beach itself is 1.5 miles wide, so a little smaller than the other 3 mile beaches that are listed above. The soft sandy beach shelves very gently, so at high tide you can wade into the sea for a considerable distance without the water clearing your waist or your horse.

  Map of Daymer Bay    

Number 6: Marazion & Long Rock Beach

Marazion beach is great if you want horse riding with a view, this beach is right at the foot of St. Michaels Mount. Riding at low tide allows you to go from Marazion to Penzance, then ride onto Long Rock, where you can access Mounts Bay and its extensive stretch of beach. Mostly sand with only few pebbly patches, Marazion beach is an ideal horse-riding spot with safe, clean water. Currently St Michaels Mount is shut on Saturdays so I would recommend going then as the beach will likely be at it’s quietest. But also pay attention to the time of day, being a popular dog walking spot I would avoid mid-mornings and early evenings. Remember to always bring a shovel and clean up after your horse.

 

Photo from: chloescoble_  

Number 7: Hayle Beach

Placing seventh was Hayle, an excellent 3 mile sandy beach that stretches from the Hayle Estuary to Gwithian Towans and Godrevy Point. With Hayle being 20 miles outside of Truro, it’s a perfect spot for an escape from the city. The most horse friendly access is by the sandy slopes, there’s one large car park at The Towans as well as some smaller ones in Harveys Towans and Hayle town. Hayle beach tends to be regarded as a surf destination so make sure you check the forecast, on https://magicseaweed.com if you and your horse like swimming. If your horse often feels nervous in unfamiliar situations, bring one of their equine friends along. Just as you wouldn’t take your horse on a new hack route alone, the beach is no different. Try to go with a friend whose horse is already familiar with the sights, smells and sounds of the coast if you can. That way you’re both more likely to enjoy the experience. When choosing your hacking buddy be wary of faster paces. Make sure your horse can hack out with a group and go for a canter together without it turning into a race.

 

Photos from: klee_bradley & kaylaa.thompsonn  

Number 8: Porthleven Beach

Porthleven town is best known for being an excellent food spot, but the 3 mile long sandy beach is a gem not often talked about. Beyond the harbour wall the beach stretches all the way to Looe Bar at low tide. Just be careful when going at this time, as rough weather makes it totally unsuitable for swimming. So again, make sure you check the forecast before going for a ride. The paid car park in town is your best bet as it's only a 5-minutes walk from the beach and suitable for a horse box whereas the free parking outside the market and along the street is not.

  Map of Porthleven

   

Number 9: Caerhays beach

At number 9, settled beneath the gorgeous grounds of Caerhays Castle & Gardens is Porthluney Cove (more commonly known as Caerhays Beach). The beach is part of the Caerhays estate where a motorised watercraft ban has been put in place, to preserve the tranquillity of the cove. This sandy beach overlooks Gerrans Bay on the south coast, 4 miles west of Mevagissey. The beaches location means calm waters, ideal for swimming and bathing. Particularly in warm weather, if you live near, a refreshing swim could be a real highlight to the hack. Unlike many of the other beaches along this part of the coast Caerhays has a large expanse of sand that does not become submerged at high tide. There’s toilets, a small shop and café on site, as well as a pay car park only metres from the sand. The only downside to Caerhays beach is its tight narrow roads, which could be restrictive if you're heading there by trailer.   Photos from: jarthur_eventing, colrainecapture & thatsassyrider  

Number 10: Harlyn Bay

Finally at number 10, Considered one of the best family beaches in Cornwall, Harlyn Bay is a wide and spacious beach of yellow sand and pebbles, situated on the eastern side of Trevose Head, just west of Padstow. With its reputation being one of the safest beaches in the Cornwall, the crescent shaped bay is popular with novice surfers. However, Harlyn beach is only 0.8km wide, so if you’re after a wider beach this one might not be so ideal for you. When the swell is big on the west facing beaches and the wind is from a southwest direction, Harlyn will be the best wave around. So make sure you check the surf and plan in advanced, before you go out! Currently the nearest car park to the beach is £3 for the day. Toilets are approximately 200m from the beach, located in the second grass car park (across the road from the main car park). Once again, this beach is horse friendly all year round, lucky us! Get your horse used to distractions, before heading to Harlyn. As well as dogs and walkers, you’ll need to be prepared to deal with with surfboards, kites, prams, umbrellas, and even sandcastles! Getting them used to such unusual sights beforehand is a really good idea.

 

Map of Harlyn Bay

   

We are lucky enough to have tons of choice when it comes to horse friendly beaches, these are only a handful of ones suggested by our followers. Can you think of anymore?  To stay up to date with our Horse-riding tales, tips and tricks subscribe to our email newsletter and remember we offer 10% off for all first-time orders with us. I challenge you to choose a date and write a couple of these beautiful locations down, lets see if you can do them all!

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Hopefully this blog has helped you expand your horizons to the different beauties Cornwall has to offer, for us at Griggs Equestrian our aim is to provide you with all the tack and clothing you could ever wish for as well as advice and information to help you get the most out of your horse riding.

Want to read some of our other blogs? Check out one of our most recent articles on The Horse Trust below.