Cape Cornwall
The distinctive headland juts out into the ocean where two great bodies of water meet. Part of the Tin Coast and Cornish Mining World Heritage Site. Cape Cornwall is a small headland in West Cornwall, UK. It is four miles north of Land’s End near the town of St Just. Until the first Ordnance Survey, 200 years ago, Cape Cornwall was believed to be the most westerly point in Cornwall. Most of the headland is owned by the National Trust. Cape Cornwall marks the spot where the Atlantic currents divide. It was bought by Heinz for the nation as part of their centenary celebrations, and presented to the National Trust in 1987. There is a distinctive plaque at the summit to mark this gift.
The chimney stack dates back to 1894, when Cape Cornwall Mine was in operation, extracting tin and copper from out under the sea. Now, the site is part of the Tin Coast and Cornish Mining World Heritage Site. Known as ‘General de Gaulle in his bath’, the Brisons Rocks have caused many shipwrecks in their time. They are said to have once been home to a prison, but now are an important breeding ground for seabirds. Flying around them you may see gannets, fulmars or migrants such as storm-petrels.
Priest’s Cove For centuries, the cove has been a landing place for local fisherman and continues to be so to this day. There is a seasonal ban from taking dogs onto the cove between Easter and October for this reason, as it is still a working slipway.
Walking From Cape Cornwall, there are lots of great walks to discover. With Sennen Cove in the south or up the Tin Coast through north to the Pendeen Lighthouse on the coast path. Enjoy views out to the Atlantic along the way. Please stick to the main footpaths as there are many mine shafts and adits along the coast from Cape Cornwall reminding you of this landscapes mining past.
Cornwall Multi-Entry Multi-Directional Visitors Guide © Simon Newbound
Own or work here?