High Cliff
Cornwall's highest sea cliff, offering dramatic coastal views, a secluded cove, and challenging hikes along the South West Coast Path.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Access to the beach and cove
High Cliff
Best Time
Access to the beach and cove
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Cornwall's highest sea cliff, offering dramatic coastal views, a secluded cove, and challenging hikes along the South West Coast Path.
"The walk up to High Cliff from the South West coastal path is not for the faint-hearted, but the view from the top are stunning!"
⚠️ Check Tides Before Descending
Never go down to the beach without checking tide times. It's easy to get cut off!
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is a Must
The coastal path and descent to the cove can be challenging. Wear appropriate shoes for a safe and enjoyable hike.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.9 · 17 reviews
Type
Natural Feature
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cornwall's Highest Sea Cliff
Northern Cornwall Coast
Experience breathtaking panoramic views from the highest point on the Northern Cornwall Coast. A truly rugged and natural spectacle.
Secluded Cove Exploration
Bottom of the cliff
Discover a charming, secluded cove perfect for relaxing walks and enjoying snacks with the sound of the waves.
Dramatic Rock Formations
Further up the beach past High Cliff
Explore fascinating rock formations in a more secluded area, offering a unique geological spectacle.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Tide Awareness is Crucial
Accessing the Heights
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⚠️ Check Tides Before Descending
Never go down to the beach without checking tide times. It's easy to get cut off!
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is a Must
The coastal path and descent to the cove can be challenging. Wear appropriate shoes for a safe and enjoyable hike.
📱 No Phone Signal
Be prepared for no phone signal at the bottom. Inform someone of your plans before you go.
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic vistas are incredible. Bring your camera to capture the rugged beauty of the coastline.
Tips
from all over the internet
⚠️ Check Tides Before Descending
Never go down to the beach without checking tide times. It's easy to get cut off!
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is a Must
The coastal path and descent to the cove can be challenging. Wear appropriate shoes for a safe and enjoyable hike.
📱 No Phone Signal
Be prepared for no phone signal at the bottom. Inform someone of your plans before you go.
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic vistas are incredible. Bring your camera to capture the rugged beauty of the coastline.
☕ Cafe & Ice Cream Available
There's a cafe and shop at the bottom for refreshments like drinks and ice cream.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about High Cliff's status as Cornwall's highest sea cliff, offering stunning panoramic views and a rugged, natural beauty. The secluded cove and unique rock formations are highlights, though the challenging trek down and the critical importance of checking tide times are frequently mentioned.
"The highest point on the Northern Cornwall Coast. You can enjoy lush nature and fantastic views."
Vladimir Balaz
"There’s a lovely little beach at the bottom of the road and it is a secluded part but still is populated with a few ‘tourists’. There is a cafe and a shop there. They have drinks and ice-cream. There is a small cove where you can feel safe and have a relaxing walk along the cliff edge with the footpaths or walk down to the cove and sit and have a snack."
Maya
"High Cliff is the highest sea cliff in Cornwall. It's an undeveloped natural feature on the South West Coast Path. It's in a rugged setting with superb sea views. It can only be reached by walking."
Roger Browne
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
High Cliff is best accessed via the South West Coast Path. There are no direct roads to the cliff base, requiring a walk. For scenic drives nearby, consider routes like Newquay to Padstow or towards Bude and Widemouth Bay, though these don't directly lead to High Cliff itself.
No, High Cliff is an undeveloped natural feature and can only be reached by walking along the South West Coast Path.
The most rewarding way is to hike along the South West Coast Path, enjoying the rugged scenery and sea views.
While there isn't direct parking at High Cliff itself, parking is available in nearby villages or coastal access points from which you can join the coastal path.
No, the beach at High Cliff is only accessible by foot via a challenging trek down the cliff.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
High Cliff is a natural, undeveloped feature and does not require an entrance ticket. Access is free.
As a natural landscape, High Cliff is accessible at all times. However, visitor safety is paramount, especially concerning tides.
No, there is no admission fee for the beach or cove at High Cliff.
No booking is required as High Cliff is a natural attraction. Planning your visit around tide times is the most important step.
The primary restriction is awareness of the tides, which can make access dangerous. Always check tide times before descending.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy stunning sea views, walk along the cliff edge, explore the secluded cove, and admire unique rock formations.
While beautiful, the challenging terrain and tide risks mean it's best suited for families with older children who can navigate the paths safely.
There is a cafe and a shop located at the bottom of the road near the cove, offering drinks and ice cream.
Swimming is possible in the cove, but be mindful of currents and tide conditions.
Yes, High Cliff is part of the South West Coast Path, offering excellent hiking opportunities with dramatic scenery.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers panoramic ocean vistas, while the cove provides dramatic perspectives with its rock formations and waves.
Golden hour (sunrise and sunset) offers beautiful lighting for dramatic coastal shots. Midday provides clear views of the rugged landscape.
High Cliff is ideal for landscape photography, capturing dramatic coastal scenery, and potentially wildlife like seals.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient, but a wide-angle lens can help capture the expansive views.
No specific restrictions, but always be mindful of safety and the natural environment.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit