What is the Crackington Haven Mermaid Pool?
We had seen a couple of mentions of a mermaid pool at Crackington Haven online, it’s also referenced in Daniel Start’s book, Wild Swimming Coast. But there was very little information, no photos and no social media posts.
Did this pool really exist? Surely with the current trend of wild swimming, there would be more social proof?
After a night in our tiny campervan in a secret, secluded layby (with views to die for) we headed off to Crackington Haven armed with an ordnance survey map, hopeful that the area shaded blue was indeed a swimmable pool.
We had to wait for the tide to drop enough and used the time to explore the coast path around the village with a slight detour inland to see the 15th Century Church in the hamlet of St Gennys.
After our walk and amazing lunch at the Cabin Cafe we ventured onto the beach and across the rocks below Pencarrow Point toward Black Rock.
The rocks here are sharp and rugged, not easy to traverse but there is not a great deal of actual climbing required.
We found the mermaid pool next to a shallower pool (the one indicated on the map) – the mermaid pool, doesn’t completely retain the seawater as it has a small opening at one end. Nonetheless, it’s a beautiful secluded pool, deep enough for jumping in off the rocks and big enough for a wild, salty swim.
How do you get to the Mermaid Pool at Crackington Haven?
Head to the main car park at Crackington Haven, from here go onto the beach and towards the large rocks about 200 metres away on the right hand (North East) side of the beach below the majestic cliffs of Pencarrow Point. Time it right and you’ll find the pool between Black Rock and the headland.
When is the best time to visit the Crackington Haven Mermaid Pool?
The trick to visiting this pool is to catch it on a calm day as the tide is falling, you’ll have enough water to swim in and avoid any Atlantic swell. It’s a bit exposed and wild for winter swims and probably gets busy in the school summer holidays.
Is Crackington Haven dog friendly?
There is a seasonal dog ban at Crackington Haven beach from May 15th to Septembe 30th each year between the hours of 10am and 6pm. There are no high climbs for this pool but the terrain is difficult and may not suit all dogs!
Is the Crackington Haven Mermaid Pool Sea Pool suitable for small children?
It’s not an easy pool to reach so we recommend families with small kids stick to the sandy beach here instead.
What else is there to do near Crackington Haven?
Nearby pools include:
Other nearby points of interest:
