Tolcarne is the largest of four beaches that join up at low tide to create the mile of golden sand that Newquay is famous for.
Sandwiched between Great Western and Lusty Glaze, Tolcarne is sheltered on three sides by tall cliffs.
At low tide it's possible to walk across from Great Western beach.
At high tide access is via a steep flight of steps cut into the cliff.
There are no overflows currently identified by either ourselves or the Environment Agency that have the potential to impact the bathing water. Any bacteria in the bathing water could be from other sources, for example agricultural rainwater runoff, dog or bird faeces, private sewerage or property foul waste pipes being misconnected and draining to watercourses. Bacteria levels may be higher after rainfall.
The graphs below show the significant reduction in harmful bacteria in the Environment Agency’s (EA) water samples since the 1990s. E. coli and Intestinal Enterococci exist in all open water - they are found in human and animal poo, and get into the water via sewage spills, road drainage, agricultural livestock, or wildlife and birds. The EA uses the levels of these bacteria to decide whether to award this beach bathing water status.
The beach profiles were created in line with information provided by our partners, Environment Agency, RNLI, Keep Britain Tidy, MCS - Beach Guide and British Beaches.