Dodman Point

Dodman Point stands on the south Cornwall coast near Mevagissey. It is the highest headland in that stretch of coastline and known in Cornish as Penn Ardh. Earlier names include Deadman and Deadman’s Point. The Iron Age promontory fort still marks its slopes. At the seaward tip is Parson Martin’s Cross, a granite cross raised in 1896 to guide Christian workers and to aid navigation. The headland appears in the shanty Spanish Ladies, linking it to maritime tradition. To the north-east, sheltered by the point, lies Gorran Haven with its small anchorage and sand beach. Below the large stone cross a path drops to the base of low cliffs where bouldering is possible. The rock faces are rarely climbed so no fixed anchors are installed. Visitors find wide views across the English Channel and along the Cornish coast. The Iron Age earthworks wind across the headland’s grassy slopes. Parson Martin’s Cross offers a landmark against the sea horizon. The descent to the cliffs reveals sheltered coves and rock formations. The contrast between the high headland and the quiet haven below creates a striking landscape.