Towan (from Cornish: Tewyn, meaning "sand dune") is found in many placenames in Cornwall (Porthtowan for example). However, The Towans usually refers to the three-mile (5 km) stretch of coastal dunes which extends north-east from the estuary of the River Hayle (at 50°11′33″N 5°25′52″W / 50.19256°N 5.43111°W) to Gwithian beach (at 50°13′48″N 5°23′29″W / 50.22991°N 5.39145°W) with a midpoint near Upton (at 50°12′38″N 5°24′28″W / 50.21053°N 5.40768°WCoordinates: 50°12′38″N 5°24′28″W / 50.21053°N 5.40768°W).