Cape Cornwall

Cape Cornwall (Cornish: “Pen Kernow”) is a small headland four miles north of Land’s End near St Just. Cape Cornwall was once thought to be the most westerly point in mainland England; however, following accurate surveying, Land’s End was found to be the most westerly point instead.

The cape is characterized by dramatic cliffs and offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. A chimney stack on the cape known as the Cape Cornwall Mine chimney is a remnant of a former mining operation. The area has a rich mining history, and the chimney reminds of Cornwall’s industrial past. Most of the headland is owned by the National Trust and is part of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site.

Cape Cornwall is the approximate point at which Atlantic currents split, going south up the English Channel or north into the Bristol Channel and the Irish Sea.

The Brisons, two offshore rocks, are located approximately one mile southwest of Cape Cornwall and mark the start of the annual swim to Priest’s Cove.

Dogs on a lead are welcome along the footpaths around Cape Cornwall.

There is also a National Coastwatch lookout on the seaward side.