Cape Cornwall is an obvious landmark on the coast, especially from Sennen and Land's End. Sometimes dubbed the discerning person's Land's End, to distinguish it from the tourist trap of the real thing, it has featured in the peninsula's human history going back to the Iron Age (probably) and the Bronze Age (definitely). Sadly there's nothing left to see of either, but it's well worth a visit.
Today we've come along the coast from Botallack, after a revisit to Kenidjack Castle. It's a steep drop and re-ascent from Nancherrow stream, a lush valley filled with vegetation at this time of year. Dropping back down from the "mainland", the neck of the promontory is occupied by lush green fields, and the early medieval St Helen's Chapel. Sadly there's no sign of the ramparts reported by Borlase.
The last and only time we've previously made the climb up to the chimney was in June 2001, almost two decades ago to the day. At 64m above the crashing waves below, it's not a huge hill, but it seems quite a stiff little climb on a warm day and I'm glad to reach the chimney. The top of the promontory is rocky and it's hard to see that this part of the headland would have supported habitation, but it would be a superb place for a lookout or beacon. It's quite busy up here today, wildlife photographers and people out to enjoy the stunning scenery. The wind is blowing strongly here, but not enough to stop us having our sandwiches and taking a good break. One nice touch is the plaque on the chimney recording the fact that the headland was bought for, and donated to, the nation by Heinz. Beans means Iron Age promontory forts, right on!
From here it's a steep drop (another) and then a steep climb (another) up to the Carn Gloose road to revisit another old favourite, Ballowall barrow.
Destroyed (1879) cliff castle. Info from Pastscape:
Borlase claims there were traces of a cliff castle at Cape Cornwall the defences of which had been partly effaced by agricultural improvements. There works disturbed a cairn in which a large urn was found and which is said to have been re-interred in the ditch of the cliff castle. Part of this ditch was cleared by Borlase and on the bottom, at a depth of 8 ft. pottery, flints and charcoal were found, also a small covered cist which was empty.
No certain traces of the promontory fort could be seen but across the lowest and narrowest portion of the neck joining it to the mainland there is a very vague and unsurveyable ridge visible in the pasture field. It is very ploughed down and may be natural but its position agrees with Borlase's description and is an obvious site for defending the promontory. The ridge best viewed from the north, extends from SW 3522 3179 to SW 3525 3184. A 25" survey has been made.
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