29/05/2026
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GLENDORGAL COAST PATH UPDATE
A remarkable piece of Newquay history has recently come to light.
Back in 1880, local people were already standing up against attempts to restrict access around Porth, Glendorgal and the surrounding headlands.
At the time, Glendorgal was owned by Sir Arthur Pendarves Vivian, a Welsh Liberal MP, who became deeply unpopular locally after gates and “private property” notices were put up around parts of the headland.
The strength of feeling was so great that a protest song was published in the Royal Cornwall Gazette on 24 September 1880.
The song referred to gates, barriers, locks and bolts — showing that local people were already fighting to keep access to this coastline open over 140 years ago.
This was not just a few people complaining. A formal Rights of Way Defence Committee was formed, petitions were signed, and around 472 people reportedly supported the campaign at a time when Newquay’s population was only around 3,000 residents.
That would be the equivalent of thousands of people standing together today.
By 1882, the campaign had succeeded. Vivian acknowledged the rights of way, the paths were reopened, and shortly afterwards he sold Glendorgal and moved away.
The estate then passed to the Tangye family, who became highly respected locally. From what has been shared so far, they appeared to understand the importance of this coastline to the people of Newquay and embraced its community value rather than shutting it away.
On a personal note, I delivered newspapers as a 14-year-old to Glendorgal Lodge around 35 years ago and still remember Mrs Tangye as being incredibly kind and welcoming. Sadly, she passed away recently, but I think it says a lot about how the land and coastline were viewed during that period.
That history matters.
Because now, in 2026, we are again trying to properly record and protect long-used coastal access around Glendorgal, Great Cupboard and the stone steps to Porth Beach.
Recent changes have raised concerns that access points could be lost unless the long history of public use is properly evidenced and recorded.
The attached photographs show one of the old access points between L***y Glaze and the Glendorgal headland which has recently been blocked and filled in. For many local people this is upsetting — not only because of access, but because of what is gradually being lost: the openness, wildlife, beauty and character of this coastline.
This campaign is not about hostility or attacking individuals.
It is about evidence, heritage, public access and future generations.
The long-term hope is simple:
a properly recognised and recorded coastal walking route linking L***y Glaze, the Glendorgal headland and the historic stone steps to Porth Beach.
Thank you to everyone who has already shared:
• memories
• photographs
• historic maps
• witness statements
• documents and local knowledge
The response so far has been amazing, but we still need more.
If you have memories or evidence of using the routes around Glendorgal headland or the stone steps to Porth Beach, please message me directly or email:
[email protected]
Every memory matters.
Every photograph helps.
Every statement strengthens the picture.
Let’s stand up for this coastline properly, just as Newquay people did before us.
