Cape Cornwall
OS Grid ref:- SW350318
Beautiful Cape Cornwall, known in Cornish as Pen Kernow, lies four miles from Land's End and holds the distinction of being the only cape in England,. since 1987 it is has been owned by the National Trust. The cape is situated at the point at which Atlantic currents divide, either going south towards the English Channel, or north into the Bristol Channel and the Irish Sea. There are numerous walks in the area, picnic places and locations for bird watching.
Cape Cornwall copyright Adam Burton
Reproduced courtesy of Adam Burton Photography
The attractive beach at the atmospheric fishing cove of Priest Cove, is rocky but does possess a small bathing pool. It was once a medieval landing beach. Situated just offshore the perilous Brison Rocks have been responsible for wrecking many ships in the past, they are now an important breeding ground for a variety of sea birds.
The nineteenth century chimney which stands on top of the peak offers superb views. The chimney stack, which is a Grade II Listed building once belonged to the Cape Cornwall Mine. There is a choice of paths to the summit of the headland, the longer route is a much easier climb, the shorter walk is extremely steep and requires a lot of effort!. The Scilly Isles can be sighted on a clear day, while beyond Land's End the Longship's Lighthouse can be seen. Dolphins can sometimes be sighted from the headland.
St. Helen's Oratory
In the field of Park an Chapel at Cape Cornwall stand the remains of an old chapel, St. Helen's Oratory, which dates back as far as Romano- Christian times.
An ancient cross with a chi-rho monogram was discovered on the site in the mid nineteenth century by John Buller, then vicar of St. Just, but was sadly lost when his successor at the vicarage purportedly threw it down a well. A hollowed stone which is thought to be the font from the chapel is now preserved in the church of St. Just, at St. Just-in-Penwith.
A walk from Cape Cornwall to Botallack
Distance - 2 miles
Duration - around an hour
*Commencing from the car park at Cape Cornwall, proceed up the road from the car park to a wide path which leads off left. Continue on the path as it climbs along Lower Boswedden Cliff.
*Follow the path down into the valley. Cross a wooden footbridge over a stream and follow the path to to Kenidjack and folow the route to Kenidjack Castle.
*Continue along the clifftops to reach the Crowns. Retrace your steps to return to the car park at Cape Cornwall