Cape Cornwall
Set amongst some of the country’s finest scenery, this short walk is perfect for a sunny afternoon. On the far West coast of the Western most county, we stumble across hidden mine remains, tramp along prehistoric track ways and jump into an ancient burial chamber for a moment. But even with all this, it always seems to be the views that steal the show.
Distance: 3 miles (5.5 km)
Duration: 2 to 2.5 hours
Start Point: Cape Cornwall Car Park
OS Grid Reference: SW 353 316
Nearest postcode: TR19 7NN
From the beginning there is some climbing, with a hike up to the top of Cape Cornwall to take in the views stretching up and down the coast. Going back down we visit a ruined Chapel, a marker in another chapter of Cornwall’s history.
Along the gorse lined coast path, we step down into a beautiful valley, where over 3000 years of mining history and legends crowd the floor. Walk around the ruins, step into the old mine buildings and breathe in the heady coconut scent of the gorse flowers.
We make our way back through quiet country lanes and across fields where summer afternoons can be blissful but where winter winds snatch and whip at the treeless ground.
Ballowall Barrow, an ancient burial chamber, is our last visit. Set spectacularly on the cliff tops, looking out towards the lost Land of Lyonesse, we have a glimpse at a 4000 year culture and a chance to set foot in the past.
Conditions:
This 3 to 4 mile walk is along well trodden coast path and fields. The fields can become muddy after rain, but this is one of the better walks when the ground is wet. There are two hills to climb and several stiles to deal with on the way back. Walking boots and long trousers for protection from encroaching gorse are recommended.
How to get there:
Directions from east of Penzance:
- Take the A30 towards Penzance.
- At the Tesco roundabout continue along the A30 towards Lands End.
- Go straight over the mini roundabout, still following the signs for Lands End until you reach a roundabout after quarter of a mile. Take the second exit towards Lands End.
- At the next roundabout take the 3rd exit towards St Just/Pendeen (A3071).
- Follow this road all the way to St Just, passing through Newbridge along the way.
- Entering St Just, the road becomes narrow with buildings on either side. Continue until you come to an open square (usually with cars parked on the right) and take the 2nd left, the one directly in front of the Atlantic Gallery (it is sign posted Cape Cornwall).
- Follow this road, go past a school on the right, through the bends and downhill to the end, where you will see a National Trust car park on the left. Parking is free for members and £2 for non-members.
Directions from St Ives:
- Take the north coast road (B3306) all the way to St Just. This is approximately 16 miles and takes you past Zennor, Gurnards Head Hotel, Morvah, Pendeen, Trewellard, Carnyorth and Botallack.
- As you enter St Just, take a right turn sign posted Cape Cornwall. This takes you onto Chapel Road.
- Take the 2nd left onto Cape Cornwall Road and then follow it through the bends and downhill to the end, where you will see a National Trust car park on the left. Parking is free for members and £2 for non-members.
