A long-standing flooding issue on the South West Coast Path at Porthallack, has been resolved, creating a safer, more accessible route all year round. Visitors and local residents can now enjoy a much-improved section of the South West Coast Path at Porthallack Beach, near Mawnan Church, thanks to a successful partnership project led by the Cormac Countryside Team.
For many years, this popular stretch of the coast path crossed a wet corner of a floodplain field beside a stream. The route regularly became muddy and waterlogged, with temporary maintenance works providing only short-term relief before the problem returned.
The aim of this project was simple: create a dry, accessible route that can be enjoyed all year round while working sensitively with the surrounding environment.
Working closely with local landowners was key to the project's success. The National Trust provided access across neighbouring fields, allowing specialist off-road vehicles to safely transport materials and equipment to the site. The Trerose Estate also played a vital role, supporting the project from the outset and working collaboratively to develop a long-term solution to the area's flooding issues.
The completed works included: realignment of a short section of the South West Coast Path onto the definitive line of the public footpath; Construction of a new stone-surfaced path; Installation of timber steps, fencing, a British Standard compliant kissing gate and improved waymarking; Vegetation clearance to create a wider, more accessible route; and creation of an earth bund to help manage excess winter water and reduce future flooding.
In a great example of sustainable environmental management, the new earth bund will be planted with locally sourced willow saplings by the estate owner. These will help absorb excess water naturally, demonstrating how working with nature can provide practical solutions to flood management challenges. Although heavy rainfall and flooding delayed the start of works in early 2026, the project team adapted to conditions and began construction once the site was safe to access. Importantly, public access was maintained throughout the works with no path closure required.
The project was completed ahead of the busy summer season, delivering a safer, drier and more resilient route on one of Cornwall's most popular coastal paths, which forms part of both the South West Coast Path National Trail and the King Charles III England Coast Path.
A huge thank you to the National Trust, Trerose Estate, Cormac Landscapes & Countryside Teams and everyone involved in making this project such a success.
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Email: contactus@corservltd.co.uk
