Sennen Cove is one of my absolutely favourite places in the whole world. This tiny village with little more than a pub. a cafe a small shop and a gorgeous gallery has a small harbour and one of the most beautiful beaches. It also happens to be almost as far west as you can go in England and is the last stop before Lands End.
I have had so many happy times in Sennen Cove and there has rarely been a time when I have been there, and not walked, or on some occasions ran to Lands End. No matter how many times I have done it, there is something magical about being able to walk to the end of the land.
The walk starts officially from the car park in Sennen Cove which overlooks the tiny harbour, with its inshore life boat, and is just a stones throw away from a cafe where you can buy reliable cornish pasties, should you need them, and who doesn’t need a cornish pasty when in Cornwall.
The walk along the South West Coastal Path, leaves from the car park and immediately heads up with a fairly steep climb to the cliff tops. This is in fact the steepest part of the walk, but worth it for the views across the cliffs and down onto the jagged shore where it takes very little effort to imagine pirates and skulduggery.
The path soon flattens out and it is easy to meander along, snooping at wild flowers and other walkers. One of the most exciting sights for children young and old or even those who are still children at heart is the wreckage of RMS Mulheim, clearly visible from the cliff top. This ship was wrecked in the bay below and broken in two before the violent swell of the ocean drove it into the inlet below. We have seen this ship wreck many times but it never fails to capture our imagination.
Further along and the light house which guards the shipping lanes around the dangerous waters of Lands End is clearly visible. There are many great look out points along the coastal path and plenty of places of to stop and gaze out to sea as you make your way along the easy path. On a previous visit I have seen basking sharks in the waters below which just adds to the mystery and intrigue of this glorious piece of coast line
Lands End itself has become a tourist destination in its own
right, with a strange collection of things to do and see including a farm and a 4D cinema experience. Also there is of course the signpost which you can pay to have your photograph taken under with the name of your town or village displayed and the distance from Lands End. This is also the the start / finish point for those that undertake the gruelling cycle ride / walk from one end to the UK to the other. We have visited in previous years and seen cyclists arrive having completed the course.
I am quite happy to eschew the tourist traps at Lands End itself and walk just a little further on and find a spot to sit. Here, the seas swell and boil, and waves crash against the rocks and warn of the perils of the sea. Sea gulls swoop and dive and lurk in the hope of a bite of cornish pasty or hastily tossed aside sandwich.
With the sun shining and dancing on the sea and a view of the granite cliffs emerging from the waves below, there can be fewer more invigorating or pleasing spots to picnic before taking the gentle walk back to Sennen Cove.
The walk is about a 2 mile round trip so pretty short and doable for even the most reluctant walkers!
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Sounds like a great walk. It’s a part of the UK I really want to get to but just haven’t made it yet. Great photos as well. I’m inspired to do the walk!
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Thank you Paul. Its such a beautiful place, I hope you get the chance to visit. It really is a stunning part of the UK coast line.
Rugged coastlines are my favourite! I’d love to explore Sennen Cove and the area around Lands End. You captured the contrast between the sea, pastures and wildflowers beautifully #FarawayFiles
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Thank you Katy. Its such beautiful part of the Uk, I hope you get to visit some time. It is stunning in all weathers and there is a certain kind of magic I have only ever really experienced in Cornwall.
This is my kind of walk, Angie, and how thrilling to spot sharks and shipwrecks as you’re walking along. I haven’t made it as far west as Sennen Cove yet. I was at university with someone who lived there. It seemed such a wonderful place to call home. Thanks for sharing this on #FarawayFiles
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Thank you Clare. Yes its quite magical place, a very gentle walk with cornish pasties and ice creams at the end! A wonderful place to grow up I’m sure, but I also suspect teenagers end up hankering for the bright lights, it really is a long way from anywhere!
Enjoyed the walk you took us on from Sennen Cove to Lands End. I have only been to Lands end once, but your beautiful photos makes me want to revisit the southwest coast again. #FarawayFiles
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Thank you Ahila, it really is my favourite part of the UK to visit. The coast line is dramatic and beautiful and the colour of the sea when the sun dances on it is very special.
Ha ha – I did not know that there was a 4D Cinema at Land’s End! :oD But like you, I would vastly prefer to soak in this gorgeous coastline rather than spend time on tourist attractions. Great photos. That shipwreck – wow! #FarawayFiles
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I know! There is a bizarre selection of ‘attractions’ most of which I suspect are best avoided! Who needs attractions when the views are that stunning. I’m amazed by the shipwreck every time I see it.
I just love the coastal walks in the UK! This sounds so captivating as you say … shipwrecks, jagged rocks and a roiling sea. I love it. I hope to check this out someday, making a note of it for a future British road trip. Thanks for sharing, and amazing photos! #FarawayFiles
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Thanks Beth. The Cornish coastline is so rugged and romantic, I absolutely love it. Hope you get to visit this part of the UK some day.