Man's Head is the distinctive rocky outcrop that sits overlooking Porthmeor Beach to the West (left hand side if you are facing the sea). It is named Man's Head due to it looking like a gnarly old man from some angles.
Man's Head is a rock formation that is mainly good for scrambling up, fishing from and sitting on and enjoying the amazing view. It is the perfect spot to watch the waves and the surfers or to look for seals, dolphins and birds. There is a wide stretch of grass below it which is lovely for walking on or picnicing away from pesky seagulls.
Lots of people walk their dogs up here too.
Getting There
You can only get to Man's Head by walking along the South West Coast Path a little way, past the Bowling Green on Beach Road. It is not accessible by car, but the nearest car park is at Porthmeor, so not too far away.
NB The nearest loos are in the surf building in Porthmeor car park. There are none further along the coast path until you get to Zennor.
To get to Man's Head you need to find the pathway to the left of Porthmeor Car Park, tucked behind the new surf building. It is about a 5-10 min gentle walk.
Porthmeor Putting Green and Bowling Club
It takes you past the Porthmeor Putting Green (not in use at the moment - May 2024) and the Porthmeor Bowling Club.
No Camping
There is lots of open space here overlooking the beach - but lots of no camping signs too!
Benches
There are lots of benches along the way, all overlooking the incredible vista of Porthmeor Beach.
Wildflowers
There is lots of lovely planting along the side, full of wild flowers and bird life.
Lots of purple Valerian grows here in the Spring and Summer.
The Rocks
The pathway leads towards the rocks at Man's Head.
The Way Up
You can climb up onto Man's Head but it is quite a scramble.
Once up there you get some sensational views of Porthmeor Beach.
We think that one of the other rocks looks like a puppy dog. What do you think?
There is a man made structure on the rocks - I'm not sure what it is. An old lookout maybe, or something to do with the war or mine?
The Shelter
On the green is a shelter. Do take care if you go in there as people sometimes sleep overnight there and have parties. There is sometimes broken glass.
South West Coast Path
If you follow the pathway further along it will take you to Clodgy Point and Zennor. It is part of the South West Coast Path which runs for 630 miles along the South West coast.
Carrick Du
Interestingly, Man's Head is actually called Carrick Du on the ordnance survey map. This is because there used to be a mine called Carrick Du (or Carrick Dews) here. I think the big intent in the land is old mine workings. It also marks the start of a SSSI which runs along the coast for many miles.
The White House
The white house overlooking Porthmeor Beach is quite an interesting one. There are lots of rumours about pop stars staying there in the 80s. I think it is locally owned and is not used as a holiday let. Whoever lives there is very lucky to wake up to those views every day!
Sunsets!
The sun sets over Porthmeor Beach and Man's Head often in quite spectacular fashion!
Sitting on Porthmeor Beach watching the sun set is one of my absolute favourite things to do. Even better with a cold beer and a glass of wine!
