Days out
Hayle Estuary
HayleOpenSee opening timesThis Cornish estuary is a delight, with tidal pools and marsh dotted around the lovely town of Hayle. Follow the South West Coast Path around the reserve, pausing to watch waders come in to roost.
About
Hayle Estuary, the most south westerly estuary in the UK, is home to a wide variety of wetland birds. Nestling in among the town of Hayle, exploring this reserve makes for a perfect afternoon activity. And when you've seen your fill, just nip over the road into town to one of the cafés, or head down to the sandy beach.
Winter is one of the best times to visit Hayle Estuary, when you can see a vast flocks of Teals and Wigeons and maybe a vagrant Ring-billed Gull from North America. Every year, up to 18,000 migrant and wintering waterfowl flock to the Hayle estuary – especially during chilly weather, when conditions here may be milder than elsewhere in the UK.
During spring and autumn, Hayle Estuary is a great place to spot migrant wading birds, gulls and terns. In summer, if you are lucky, you may catch sight of an Osprey.
At a glance
Parking at the Eric Grace Memorial Hide/Ryan’s Field. No car parking at Carnsew, though parking within 500 metres in Hayle.
There are no toilets on site. Nearest accessible facilities (with RADAR key) in Hayle. Close to public parking for Carnsew. There are additional public toilets near Copperhouse Pool.
There are no toilets on site. Nearest public toilets in Hayle. Close to public parking for Carnsew. There are additional public toilets near Copperhouse Pool.
Circular walk around Ryan's Field, 1 mile (1.3 km). Allow 40 minutes on level, surfaced terrain. Wide pedestrian gate. Narrow and uneven public footpath with steps around Carnsew Pool, 1.5 miles (1.6 km). Allow 1 hour. No stiles at either. Step free access to Eric Grace Memorial Hide.
Circular walk around Ryan's Field, 1 mile (1.3 km). Allow 40 minutes on level, surfaced terrain. Wide pedestrian gate. Narrow and uneven public footpath with steps around Carnsew Pool, 1.5 miles (1.6 km). Allow 1 hour. No stiles at either. Step free access to Eric Grace Memorial Hide.
There are no toilets on site. Nearest public toilets in Hayle. Close to public parking for Carnsew. There are additional public toilets near Copperhouse Pool.
BBQs are a fire risk, endangering other people and the precious wildlife and habitats here. They are not permitted on the reserve at any time.
Assistance dogs welcome at all times.
Only on public footpaths and bridleways.
See what’s here
Contact Hayle Estuary
cornwall@rspb.org.uk Hayle Estuary, Hayle, Cornwall, TR27 6JF 01736 360624