The Beach

The mile long Sennen Beach and adjoining Gwenvor Beach at low tide, has been awarded the prestigious EEC 'Blue Flag status for the quality of the water and environment. Grassy hills tumble down to golden white sands and translucent turquoise blue water. Popular with families the beach is controlled by professional lifeguards from April to September, and is also a magnet for surfers and body borders. However even on the busiest days it's easy to find a quite spot for serious relaxation.

This stretch of coast enjoys the best weather in Cornwall. Protected by the dramatically towering Cape Cornwall (the only cape in England) and the foreboding Brisson Rocks every day can be different in the bay. Giant waves crashing over the breakwater attract Grey Seals searching for supper and the next day the ocean can become a mill pool with dolphins playing just off shore. You may be lucky and spot the occasional visit of basking sharks (harmless to humans!) Always to be seen are a variety of seabirds sometimes rare, many nesting on the nearby cliffs.

The Cove

The cove is protected from the prevailing Atlantic westerlies by the mighty Pedn-men-du cliff. The locals will talk of the cove as being different from up top (Sennen Village) as a coat and a jacket! Still a working fishing village the cove was a major pilchard fishery up until the late 1900's providing employment to many local men and woman. Note the names of the cottages, many also now Self Catering Holiday Accommodation - The Seine Loft, The Old Saltings, The Boat House Stores for instance. From the cove you can embark on two equally distinct and spectacular walks both part of the South West Coastal Path. To the south from a the harbour car park a cliff top path takes you past the remains of Maen Castle dating back to 300BC on to Land's End with spectacular views of the Longship's Lighthouse and across to the Isles of Scilly just some 28 miles distant. Onwards from Land's End things change spectacularly as you leave the Atlantic coast for the start of the English Channel. Discover Nanjizal, Penberth, The Minnack Theatre and Porthcurno. You'll have walked for three hours at this point but the good news is there's a bus back to the Cove that will drop you off at Shelbourne! Do be sure to check times first!

In a northerly direction from the main car park follow the path behind the beach and explore the dramatic walk to Cape Cornwall and onwards past St Just to Pendeen for the more hardy where you can pick up an open top bus back to the cove - again take care on timings!

See more things to do in west cornwall . . .

Great Storm Picture courtesy Tim Stevens www.metro.co.uk