Best natural monuments around Mawnan are situated in south Cornwall, England, a region characterized by its coastal landscapes and diverse natural features. The area encompasses significant ecological and geological sites, including headlands, river estuaries, and coves. These locations offer varied habitats and provide opportunities for exploring Cornwall's distinctive environment.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
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Beautiful gardens which extend to a small beach.
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In prehistoric times when the sea was higher, this was a beach. Look north east from here and you can see the manacles, a hidden granite reef which has been the cause of hundreds of shipwrecks.
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The monument includes a complex multi-period archaeological landscape of settlements, field systems and various manufacturing sites, situated on a wide band of sloping coastal cliffs between Lowland Point and Coverack. The archaeological remains survive as extensive standing rectilinear fields and enclosures; stone hut circles and other settlement sites; and their associated buried deposits and features which range in date from the Mesolithic to the early medieval periods. There have been numerous partial excavations, mainly from the first half of the 20th century, which have provided considerable information about the site. Chronologically, the earliest evidence for use of the area is a Mesolithic flint working site on a platform on the southwestern side of Carrick Crane Rocks. Excavated in 1933, it produced around 650 worked flints and some Iron Age pottery. Several chance finds of Neolithic pottery have been made, hinting at the occupation of the area during this period. Several of the hut circles, at least one of which had an annexe, have also been excavated with recorded finds from these including pottery (Bronze Age to Iron Age), stone rubbers and an iron blade. The settlements were associated with an extensive field system of rectilinear fields and enclosures covering over 4 hectares. A Romano-British salt working site of the 2nd century AD was also identified. Here salt was evaporated from sea water in two rectangular, superimposed stone-built ovens housed in an oval building and connected with a field system which extended for over a hectare. Large quantities of pottery were recovered from the salt works and its walls, as excavated, stand up to 1m high. An early medieval settlement of two dwellings with associated irregular enclosures was also excavated and found to contain an assemblage of at least 60 vessels from 500 - 900 AD, the majority of which came from one building identified as the site of a kiln. The various excavators, surveyors and specialists included: OP Serocold, G Maynard, FM Patchett, DPS Peacock, J Manehip White, V Favell, C Thomas, and H Quinnell. Further extensive archaeological remains survive in the vicinity and are not currently included in the scheduling because they have not been formally assessed. Sources: HER:- PastScape Monument No:-426434, 426440, 426449, 426452, 426443 and 426521,
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You will find food and drink in Coverack. it is a pleasant place to relax.
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Coverack is a pleasant fishing village with a fishing harbor and sandy beach. At the moment (2022) the beach is being worked on so that it is only partially accessible.
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This is a very picturesque part of Coverack, pleasant to walk through.
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Pendennis point provides beautiful views of the coast and is only a very short distance from busy Falmouth. The name comes the Cornish Pen (Headland) and Dynas (Castle). Dolphins and Basking Sharks have been spotted here along with more frequent visits from seals. Pendennis Castle began life in the 16th Century as a gun fort and has guarded the entrance to Carrick Roads (Falmouth Estuary) since. It is looked after by English Heritage and open to visitors.
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The Lizard NNR is one of the largest nature reserves in the South West. The reserve itself reaches across to Mullion Cove to near Coverack. Over 250 species of national and international importance are found here such as the dwarf rush and wild asparagus. This area of Heathland boasts a carpet of orchids and violets in the early summer and gorse and heather by late summer.
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Visitors frequently enjoy Coverack Harbour, a traditional fishing village with a beautiful beach and harbour known for its Cornish history. Another highly regarded spot is Pendennis Point, offering superb coastal views and opportunities to spot marine wildlife. Lowland Point is also popular for its complex archaeological landscape and prehistoric raised beach.
Mawnan is rich in diverse natural features. You can explore stunning headlands like Rosemullion Head and Pendennis Point, picturesque river estuaries such as the Helford River, and numerous coves and beaches including Maenporth, Grebe, and Porth Saxon. The area also features unique woodlands like Kennall Vale, which combines natural beauty with industrial history.
Yes, several natural sites in Mawnan have significant historical connections. Lowland Point is notable for its complex archaeological landscape, including remnants of ancient settlements and a prehistoric raised beach. Polgwidden Cove, while beautiful, also holds historical significance as a departure point for American troops during the Normandy Invasion. Kennall Vale, a woodland nature reserve, features fascinating ruins of a former gunpowder factory.
Visitors particularly appreciate the stunning coastal views, the rich historical context intertwined with natural beauty, and the diverse opportunities for outdoor activities. The area's natural monuments are well-loved by the komoot community, with over 76 upvotes and 72 photos shared, highlighting their scenic appeal and engaging experiences.
Absolutely. Many natural monuments in Mawnan are suitable for families. Coverack Harbour and Pendennis Point are both listed as family-friendly. Additionally, Trebah Garden offers a beautiful natural setting that extends to a small beach, perfect for a family day out. Bosveal also provides woodland walks and access to secluded coves, ideal for families and dog walkers.
Yes, Mawnan is very welcoming to dog walkers. Many of the coves and beaches, such as Maenporth Beach, are dog-friendly year-round and accessible from the South West Coast Path. Bosveal offers a range of walks through woodlands and along the Helford River shores, which are excellent for dogs. You can find various running and hiking routes that are suitable for dogs, such as the 'Rosemullion Head loop from Mawnan' or 'View of Rosemullion Head – Porth Saxon Beach loop from Mawnan' which can be found in the Easy hikes around Mawnan guide.
The area around Mawnan's natural monuments offers a wide range of outdoor activities. You can enjoy coastal walks along the South West Coast Path, explore the Helford River estuary by kayak or boat, or simply relax on one of the many beaches. For more structured activities, there are numerous cycling, hiking, and running routes available. For example, you can find routes like 'Helford River loop - Cornwall' in the Cycling around Mawnan guide, or 'Helford Passage – Durgan Hamlet and Beach loop from Mawnan' in the Easy hikes around Mawnan guide.
Yes, Mawnan offers a variety of hiking trails, many of which pass by or through natural monuments. The Glendurgan Valley Trails provide opportunities for clifftop walks with open views of the Cornish landscape. You can also find easy hikes like 'View of Rosemullion Head – Porth Saxon Beach loop from Mawnan' or 'Helford Passage – Durgan Hamlet and Beach loop from Mawnan' in the Easy hikes around Mawnan guide.
Certainly! The Mawnan area provides excellent cycling opportunities. You can explore scenic routes that take you past various natural monuments and coastal views. Examples include the 'Helford River loop - Cornwall' or 'Pendennis Point – Maenporth Beach loop from Mawnan', which are detailed in the Cycling around Mawnan guide.
Mawnan's coastline, with its numerous coves and clear waters, offers several potential spots for wild swimming. Maenporth Beach is a popular sandy bay with clear waters, and Grebe Beach is another accessible cove. Always check local conditions and safety guidelines before swimming in open water.
For breathtaking coastal views, head to Pendennis Point, which offers panoramic vistas of the coast and the entrance to Carrick Roads. Rosemullion Head is another handsome headland providing superb views of Falmouth Bay and the distant mouth of the River Fal. The Glendurgan Valley Trails also offer open views and clifftop walks.
Mawnan boasts several beautiful beaches and coves. Maenporth Beach is a sandy, rockpool-rich bay with clear waters. Grebe Beach is an accessible cove near Durgan. Porth Saxon Beach and Prisk Cove are further examples found towards Rosemullion Head. Polgwidden Cove is also notable for its natural beauty.
The natural monuments around Mawnan can be enjoyed year-round, but each season offers a different experience. Spring and summer bring vibrant flora, with orchids and violets carpeting areas like The Lizard National Nature Reserve in early summer, and gorse and heather by late summer. The milder weather during these seasons is ideal for coastal walks and beach visits. Autumn offers beautiful colours, while winter provides dramatic coastal scenery, though some facilities might have reduced hours.


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