Vault Beach

Vault Beach is a wild, largely undeveloped stretch of sand and shingle on the Roseland Peninsula, reached by a steep footpath from the car park above Gorran Haven. The descent through gorse and bracken takes around 10 minutes each way and immediately filters out those unwilling to make the effort, giving the beach an appealingly uncommercial, undiscovered feel. The South West Coast Path skirts the cliff above, and the view from the headlands on either side looks out across a broad sweep of Mevagissey Bay.

This is a superb choice for a dog friendly beach, with year-round access and no PSPO restrictions in force. The steep approach effectively limits visitor numbers even in peak season, and the long, open stretch of beach gives dogs serious room to run. The shingle and firm sand mix suits most paws, and the rock formations at each end provide good exploration territory. Tidal range is significant so the beach at low tide is considerably larger than at high water. Carry water as there are no facilities at the beach itself, and be aware the return climb is steep.