A Winter Walk at Par Sands

Welcome to 2026, and to a cold but beautiful January! On the last day of 2025 I took my mum to Par Sands to soak in the sun and really just be thankful for the year. Par is actually one the beaches I head to most and its becoming a favourite.

It’s not the kind of beach where you sit and sunbathe all day or even really gaze at the view but it's definitely a great beach for a refreshing walk on a bright sunny day.

As you drive you have an option of car parks (all free as we are out of season at the mo), I tend to pick the middle so I can say hello to the geese and ducks at the lake the other side of the road. Then you get to walk through the sand dunes which is a great approach. You can hear the sea but not see it yet, making the reveal all the more special. 

Or perhaps park right at the end, if its a cold day or I have been out doing errands in St Austell and just want to gaze at the sea for a bit, or sit on a bench, I head there. Wind down the windows and get a full dose of vitamin sea.   

The main draw of course is it’s dog friendly all year round. I have taken so many dogs over the years, and as we are currently dog-less, I just love taking my mum so she can meet all the dogs and have a chat with the lovely owners. 

There is a cafe, part of the holiday park and it’s set a little back from the sea. They are a friendly bunch and they sell doggie goodies too. 

The beach itself is beautiful golden sand, you look to the right and you see the China clay factory, industrial, jutting out into the sea. To the left though is just the most perfect view, rolling green hills with sheep and horses and low cliffs hugging the coastline. 

The sea here is often glass-like and calm, more the kind of water you want to be on than in as its so shallow. When the tide is far out you can walk to the next cove.

One of my favourite walks starts here. You park up in the first car park and take the coastal path on to the little beach called Booley. Only accessible by the footpath its often quiet and peaceful. I have spent many a time eating breakfast here on the beach, and occasionally swimming in the sea. It really has to be warm to tempt me in! The rock pools are fun to explore as well. 

If you follow the path onwards you will reach Polkerris. Such a charming cove, little but perfectly formed. As you walk down coastal path the sea wall curves round as if to embrace you. Here you can have sundowners at the pub on the beach - the Rashleigh Inn, or taste the delicious seafood and pizzas at Sam’s on the beach. There is a cafe too and at times there's even a sauna, to warm you after a cold plunge.

If you fancy the walk you can see the route on iWalk Cornwall.