A guide to The Strangles, a remote beach near Crackington Haven, and nearby Beeny Cliff.
If you're looking for a wild, empty beach on the North Cornwall coast, The Strangles is hard to beat. Hidden below some of the highest cliffs in Cornwall, between Boscastle and Crackington Haven, it's reached only by a steep path. The reward is a sweep of sand at low tide, dramatic rock formations and a real sense of remoteness. It's listed on our FAQ page as one of the beaches near Lower Pennycrocker Farm.
Where is The Strangles?
The Strangles lies just south of Crackington Haven, below High Cliff and Cambeak. Nearby Beeny Cliff stretches towards Pentargon and Boscastle. It's a short drive from our campsite.
How did it get its name?
The beach is thought to be named after the many ships wrecked on this stretch of coast, "strangled" by the wild seas and rocks. Whatever the truth, it's a reminder of how powerful this coast can be.
Getting there
Parking
There's a small National Trust car park at Trevigue, on the lane south of Crackington Haven. Spaces are limited, so arrive early in summer.
The path
From the car park, a footpath leads across the clifftop and down a steep, zigzagging path to the beach. The descent can take around 20 minutes and the climb back is hard work. The path can be slippery after rain. It's not suitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs or people with limited mobility.
The beach
Low tide
At low tide, a large sandy beach is revealed, with rocks, pools and dramatic formations. At high tide, much of the beach is covered and you'll be left with shingle and rocks. Always check tide times.
Northern Door
At the northern end of the beach is a natural rock arch known as Northern Door. You can walk through at low tide, but keep an eye on the incoming water.
Rock formations
The cliffs here show spectacular folded rock layers, which geologists come to study. Look up, and you'll see huge zigzag patterns in the cliff face.
Safety
- Tides: check tide times and return before the tide rises. It's easy to be cut off around the rocks.
- Swimming: there are no lifeguards, and currents can be strong. Swimming isn't recommended in rough seas.
- Cliffs: stay away from the base of the cliffs, where rockfalls can happen.
- The climb: take water and allow plenty of time.
Read our Cornwall beach safety guide.
Beeny Cliff and Thomas Hardy
Beeny Cliff, between The Strangles and Boscastle, is closely linked with Thomas Hardy. As a young architect, Hardy came to restore St Juliot church, near Boscastle, and met Emma Gifford, who became his first wife. They walked and rode along these cliffs. After Emma's death, Hardy wrote a poem called "Beeny Cliff", remembering those days. Read our Thomas Hardy and St Juliot post.
Walking
The South West Coast Path runs along the clifftop above The Strangles. It's a challenging but rewarding section, with big climbs and drops.
- North to Crackington Haven: a short walk, with great views.
- South to Boscastle: a longer, harder walk past Beeny Cliff and Pentargon. See our Pentargon waterfall walk.
Our campsite is about half a mile from the coast path. See our coast path guide.
Wildlife
Look out for seabirds, including fulmars, gulls and ravens, and, if you're lucky, seals in the water below. Wild flowers cover the cliffs in spring and early summer.
Who is it for?
- Fit walkers who enjoy a challenge.
- Anyone looking for solitude.
- Photographers and geology fans.
If you'd prefer an easier beach, Crackington Haven is nearby, with parking close to the beach. See our Crackington Haven page.
What to bring
- Good footwear for the steep path.
- Water and snacks; there are no facilities.
- A tide timetable.
- A bag to take your rubbish home.
- A warm layer; the beach can be breezy.
Dogs
Dogs are often welcome, but keep them on a lead on the clifftop and steep path. Check local signs.
Best time to visit
Spring and early summer for wild flowers, and late summer and autumn for warmer seas. Choose a calm day at low tide for the best experience.
Planning your visit
Check the tide table and aim to arrive at the top of the path about two hours before low water. Allow at least two to three hours in total, including the walk down and the climb back. If the weather looks unsettled or the sea is rough, save the beach for another day and enjoy the clifftop views instead; the coast path here is spectacular in any conditions.
Staying nearby
Lower Pennycrocker Farm is between Boscastle and Crackington Haven, about two miles from Boscastle. The Strangles is a short drive away. Adults are £10 per night and children 5 and over are £5. See our beaches page.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get to The Strangles beach?
From the National Trust car park at Trevigue, via a steep clifftop path.
Is The Strangles beach sandy?
Yes, at low tide. At high tide, much of the sand is covered.
Is The Strangles suitable for children?
It's best for older, fit children. The path is steep and there are no facilities.
What is the Hardy connection?
Thomas Hardy walked Beeny Cliff with Emma Gifford and later wrote the poem "Beeny Cliff".
Stay near Boscastle
Lower Pennycrocker Farm is a quiet, family-run campsite at St Juliot, about two miles from Boscastle (PL35 0BY). We welcome tents, touring caravans, motorhomes and campervans from 1 April to 31 October. Adults are £10 a night, children aged 5 and over £5, electric hook-up £7 and dogs £2 each (maximum two). Showers are free and you park beside your pitch. Check availability and book direct, or see pitches and prices.
Want a base on this stretch of coast? See camping near Crackington Haven at Lower Pennycrocker Farm.
