Bedruthan Steps

The "steps" are a spectacular series of rock stacks stretching across Bedruthan Beach. They first became a tourist destination when nearby Newquay became a popular resort in the Victorian period. Legend tells that the steps were built by a giant named Bedruthan, who used them as stepping stones to traverse the bay. Unfortunately for students of Cornish folkore it seems that the legend was invented by late 19th century residents to tell their awestruck visitors.

Still another element of confusion surrounds the name "Bedruthan Steps". There is no certainty that the name refers to the rock stacks at all; it may equally well refer to the steps cut into the cliff that allow access to the beach.

One of the rocks is named Samaritan Island, after the ship of that name that wrecked upon the rock in 1846. Visitors are warned that treacherous tides make swimming dangerous.

There are wonderful walks along the clifftops between Bedruthan and Carnewas, and the National Trust has built new steps into the sides of the cliff for access down to the beach. The steps are closed in the winter.

The area around Bedruthan is also rich in prehistoric sites; within 2 miles there are no less than 6 Bronze Age barrows and 2 cliff castles dating from the Iron Age.

Photo courtesy of Cornwall Cam