Matt George, a coasteering guide and climbing instructor who has traversed half the Cornish coast, has revealed his favorite beach: Nanjizal Beach, also known as Mill Bay, near Land's End. In an interview with Metro's Travel Editor Alice Murphy, George highlighted the beach's seclusion and natural beauty, making it a standout among the hundreds of UK beaches he has visited.
A Personal Quest to Explore Cornwall's Coastline
George is currently on a personal project to explore the entire coastline of Cornwall at sea level, having already completed over half of it. 'Despite being so close to the coast in Cornwall, and much of the UK, the coastline remains a final frontier of exploration few people get to explore,' he said. His journey has taken him from Falmouth to Padstow, covering over 150 miles of coast, including every named beach and many unnamed, remote ones.
He has visited dozens of sandy zawns and hidden beaches that require abseiling, boating, or coasteering to access. However, for beaches that are more accessible, he notes that many Cornish beaches are now over-visited due to social media, making seclusion rare.
Other Notable Beaches
George also praised Godrevy Cove on the Lizard Peninsula, which has no road access, ensuring minimal crowds. Facing east, it's ideal for morning visits and offers shelter from westerly winds. On the north coast, he mentioned Bedruthan Steps, a huge beach with a collapsed main access path, but a northern pathway with a short scramble rewards visitors with vast sands and impressive sea stacks.
Why Nanjizal Beach Stands Out
Despite these options, Nanjizal Beach holds a special place in his heart. Accessible only via the South West Coast Path, it requires a walk from Land's End. The beach is best visited at low tide and with a small swell to reveal the most sand. The setting features golden granite cliffs culminating at Carn Boel and the famous Song of the Sea archway, which has a sheltered pool perfect for swimming.
There is no parking at Nanjizal, and visitors must walk from various parking options. The beach is dog-friendly but has no facilities. George advises timing visits carefully to experience its magic.
About Matt George
Matt George, 47, is the owner and lead guide of Kernow Coasteering, offering coasteering and climbing adventures in west Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. His work involves exploring and documenting new coastal routes, giving him insight into tourism, weather, and environmental impacts on local businesses. He also comments on adventure tourism, sustainability, and the realities of running a seasonal operation in Cornwall's visitor economy.
