An Immersive Coastal Experience with Cotna Eco Retreat
Tucked away on the unspoilt Roseland Peninsula in South Cornwall, the ancient fishing village of Gorran Haven marks a perfect starting point for exploring one of England’s most spectacular natural treasures—the South West Coast Path, or more evocatively known in recent years as the Salt Path.
Popularised by Raynor Winn’s bestselling memoir The Salt Path, this coastline is more than a walking route—it’s a deeply healing journey. In the book, although they didn’t seem to have the happiest reception in Gorran Haven, at least Raynor and Moth appreciated the views from The Dodman towards the Lizard as “gulls floated down on to the cliffs, a group of oystercatchers chattered somewhere on the rocks below. The sea broke against the cliff with a deep background growl. Silently, almost as if floating, a small roe deer, grey in the thin moon, passed by, slipping into the undergrowth without the movement of a leaf. We followed her, to sleep, enclosed in the dark green night.” This section of the South West Coast Path hugs the cliffs and winds through breath taking scenery, rich in wildlife, history, and raw coastal beauty. And when it comes to finding a place that mirrors this ethos of reconnection and retreat, few places match the soulful, sustainable charm of Cotna Eco Retreat.
Discovering the Salt Path from Gorran Haven A Landscape of Contrast and Connection The South West Coast Path offers a rich tapestry of terrain and scenery. From Gorran Haven, you can walk west towards Mevagissey, or east towards Portloe — either direction offers cinematic views and a deep sense of place.
Gorran Haven to Mevagissey (Approx. 4.5 miles)
This stretch of the path begins gently, ascending from the beach and weaving through hedgerows before revealing the full drama of Dodman Point, the highest headland on the south coast of Cornwall. From its windswept clifftops, you’ll enjoy wide-reaching views of St Austell Bay and spot seabirds gliding above the waters. Past Hemmick Beach—a perfect picnic stop—you’ll pass rugged outcrops and ancient field systems before descending into Portmellon and onward to the quaint fishing port of Mevagissey, bustling with pubs, galleries, and seafood stalls.
Gorran Haven to Caerhays Castle and Porthluney Beach (Approx. 3 miles)
Heading east, this walk is gentler, ideal for nature lovers and casual ramblers. The route meanders through wooded valleys and opens up to views of Caerhays Castle, a semi private estate famed for its gardens and spring camellias. The walk finishes at Porthluney Cove, a sheltered, sandy beach perfect for a rest or a swim.
Seasonal Sights and Wildlife Throughout the year, walkers are treated to a rotating canvas of wildflowers—bluebells in spring, foxgloves in early summer, and sea thrift cling to the cliffs. Birdwatchers may spot peregrines and fulmars, while lucky visitors may even catch glimpses of dolphins and seals offshore.
Staying at Cotna Eco Retreat: A Sanctuary for the Soul
Amidst this walking heaven lies Cotna Eco Retreat, a tranquil, off-grid haven just a short walk from Gorran Haven. This isn’t your typical accommodation Cotna is a small scale working smallholding and a centre for sustainable living. It offers guests a chance to unplug, reset, and live in closer harmony with the land.
A Unique Range of Eco Accommodation
Cotna offers a collection of beautifully crafted, environmentally conscious lodgings:
- Yurts: Spacious, round Mongolian-style tents, set in quiet glades with private kitchens and wood-burning stoves. You can fall asleep under canvas to the sound of owls or rustling trees.
- Shepherd’s Hut: A romantic hideaway nestled into the orchard, complete with a firebowl to sit under the stars.
Each space is solar-powered, uses composting toilets, and is supplied with pure spring-fed water, reflecting Cotna’s commitment to low-impact, sustainable living.
Off-Grid, But Full of Life
Use the opportunity to switch off from Wi-Fi and begin to reconnect to the natural world—birdsong in the daytime, owls hooting at night, roe deer silently in the background. A time for chats around the forebowl, and enjoying the cycles of moonrise and sunset.
The retreat encourages slow, mindful living. Mornings might begin with yoga outside your yurt followed by a wander through the woodland or a foraging walk. Evenings end around your BBQ or sipping a late tea under the stars.
What Makes Cotna Special?
1. A Walker’s Dream Base
Cotna’s location is ideal for walkers:
- You can use Cotna’s walk guides to walk straight from your yurt to the coast path—no need to drive.
- Hidden routes through fields and woods lead to quiet coves like Vault Beach, Hemmick, and Gorran Haven itself.
- Hosts Dave and Sara are both walkers and foragers—they’re full of local knowledge and can suggest ideal routes based on tides, wildflower blooms, or weather.
2. Food from the Land
Cotna grows organic fruit and vegetables, and many guests enjoy:
- Organic breakfast hampers with homemade preserves, fresh eggs, and sourdough bread.
- Fermentation workshops, sourdough baking, and seasonal preserves.
- Foraging walks, learning about seasonal, edible wild plants Food here is not just sustenance—it’s part of the immersive experience. Eating seasonally and organically makes you feel grounded and connected to your surroundings.
3. Sustainability in Action
Every aspect of Cotna reflects thoughtful sustainability:
- Green energy from solar and wind.
- Aqueduct systems for the gardens.
- Permaculture practices that support biodiversity.
- Recycled and natural building materials used throughout.
Staying at Cotna doesn’t just minimize your footprint—it educates and inspires. Guests often leave with new skills or ideas they carry into their daily lives.
4. Space to Reconnect
Whether you’re walking solo for self-reflection, sharing a romantic getaway, or introducing children to nature, Cotna offers a quiet sanctuary for reconnection—both to yourself and to others.
There’s a profound sense of slowness and spaciousness at Cotna that contrasts sharply with everyday hustle. It’s no wonder so many guests return year after year.
Why Combine the Salt Pat with a Stay at Cotna?
Because both are acts of restoration.
- The Salt Path invites you to immerse yourself in wildness, testing your endurance and rewarding you with unforgettable beauty.
- Cotna invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and find new rhythms—whether through food, stillness, or conversation. Together, they form a deeply healing Cornish experience, one that aligns with values of simplicity, nature, and sustainability.
Plan Your Journey
Whether you’re planning a full walking holiday along the South West Coast Path or a shorter weekend retreat, Cotna offers the rare gift of place and purpose.
Visit our Cornish yurts and explore our other accommodation options, seasonal availability, and more information on courses and sustainability.