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 up the sun and really just be thankful for the year. Par is actually one of the beaches I head to most, and it’s 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 in, you have a choice of car parks. I tend to pick the middle one so I can say hello to the geese and ducks at the lake on 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 it’s a cold day, or I have been out doing errands in St Austell and just want to gaze at the sea for a bit, I head to the far end. I can sit on a bench, or stay in the car, wind down the windows and get a full dose of vitamin sea.

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

There is a café belonging to the holiday park, 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. Look to the right and you see the china clay works, industrial and 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 because it’s so shallow. When the tide is far out, you can walk to the next cove.

Walk from Par Sands to Polkerris

One of my favourite walks starts here. Park in the first car park and take the coast path to the little beach called Booley. Accessible only by foot, it’s often quiet and peaceful. I have spent many a morning 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 the coast path, the sea wall curves round as if to embrace you. Here you can have sundowners at the Rashleigh Inn, the pub on the beach, or taste the delicious seafood and pizzas at Sam’s on the Beach. There is a café too, and at times there’s even a sauna to warm you after a cold plunge.

You can see the full Par Sands to Polkerris walking route on iWalk Cornwall.