Trevose Head

Trevose Head is a rugged headland on Cornwall’s Atlantic coast, about eight kilometres west of Padstow. The South West Coast Path circles the whole promontory, which lies within the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Trevose Head Heritage Coast. On clear days the view stretches north beyond the county border to Hartland Point, forty miles away, and south past St Ives to Pendeen Watch, thirty-five miles distant. The headland’s Cornish name, Penn Trenfos, means headland of the walled farmstead. A steam locomotive once bore the same name, reflecting the landmark’s wider recognition. The headland holds traces of human history alongside its natural drama. Ruins of St Constantine’s chapel stand beside the third hole of Trevose Golf Club, reached by an ancient right of way. Trevose Head Lighthouse, first lit in 1847, was automated in 1995 after more than a century of keeper service. Trinity House still maintains the tower on the north-west corner. Nearby, the Padstow lifeboat station moved to the headland in 2006 after earlier silting problems on the River Camel. During the Second World War, bombs were jettisoned over the area, though the headland itself was not targeted. The cliffs and slopes support rare plants and seabirds. Wild asparagus grows on nearby Dinas Head cliffs, while shore dock appears at the cliff base. Northern fulmars, razorbills and guillemots nest along the rocky ledges. The headland’s 217 acres include farmland and coastal rough grazing that had remained in one family since about 1900. The whole site is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its geology and wildlife. Walkers on the coast path find wide views, seabirds overhead and the lighthouse standing sentinel over the Atlantic.