Coverack
OS Grid ref:- SW782181
The pleasant and unspoilt fishing village of Coverack, situated on the south east corner of the beautiful Lizard Peninsula occupies both sides of a spur of rock that juts into the Atlantic.
The village has a large sand and pebble beach in a sheltered bay that presents an ideal spot for windsurfing, sailing and diving.
The Manacles Rocks, which lie nearby, were once the site of many shipwrecks and are now a favourite diving destination. The Manacles bear a fearsome reputation, The local hotel, named ' The Paris' derives its name from a passenger ship of that name that ran aground on the Manacles reef in 1899. Fortunately, no lives were lost.
The small characterful harbour, which dates to 1724, is constructed of local serpentine, a dark green metamorphic rock veined with red. An old lifeboat house stands above the harbour which has not been used as such since 1977. Dolphins may sometimes be sighted in the bay.
The village's name of Coverack derives from Porthcovrek and was recorded as early as 1262, it has been variously described as meaning witches cove, seaweed cove, wreckers cove or 'goveryk' meaning streamlet.
Coverack can be reached via Helston or Gweek over the Goonhilly Downs, which are famous for the BT satellite earth station.
Places to visit on the Lizard Peninsula
*Cornish Seal Sanctuary at Gweek, devoted to seal rescue and care, baby seals are in the sanctuary from September - March. Open daily, except Christmas Day, 9am - 5pm.
*Lizard Countryside Centre fully interactive exhibition based on local countryside, history and wildlife. Open Easter - Oct, daily, 11am - 5pm.
*Trelowarren House and Craft Centre Elizabethan style Stuart building, home to the Vyvyan family, hosts crafts exhibition. Open all year.
*Marconi Memorial art deco obelisk just south of Poldhu Bay, first radio signals across Atlantic were sent from here by Guglielmo Marconi.
*Goonhilly Earth Station, futuristic satellite tracking station built in 1962, visitor centre with interactive displays and hands on exhibitions, tours of the site. Open, Easter - Oct, 10am - 5pm (6pm in high season).
A walk from Coverack
Distance - 4 miles
*Commencing at the car park in Coverack, follow the road which leads towards the sea and turn left along the residential road that runs north parallel with the coast. Take the left fork shortly after reacing the end of the tarmac. Cross a stile and continue into the woods. Carry on along the passing rocky outcrops, until reaching a lane. Continue down it to reach Boscarnon Farm.
*Pass through a small wood to arrive at a lane that passes Trevalsoe Farm. Take the path leading to Trevean, turn left heading toward St. Keverne, turn right after 600 yards and continue in the direction of the sea. Offshore can be seen the Mannacles Rocks.
*Pass through a kissing gate and follow the descending path alongside a metal rail towards Lowland Point. After entering Lowland Point, Coverack will be visible in the distance. Return to the village via the coastal path.