Cornwall (Kernow)

The County of Cornwall makes up the very southwestern tip of Great Britain and includes the most southerly point and the most westerly point of England. The county is the 9th largest by area (out of 48) in England, and is the only county to border only one other county (Devon). Kernow is the Cornish name for the county, the dialect is still spoken, deriving itself from Common Brittonic (the language spoken in Great Britain before English started to dominate).

Cornish Flag

Cornwall is surrounded by beautiful coastline which is a huge draw, especially in the summertime when the tourists flock to the golden sandy beaches. The county is bordered to the north by the Celtic Sea, the Atlantic to the west, and the English Channel to the south. The coastline stretches around the county for 422 miles, and varies from steep cliffs along the north coast to more sheltered softer landscapes along the south coast.

If you are a surfer you head to the north coast, Trevaunance Cove at St. Agnes is such a place, although I myself prefer to photograph the waves rather than ride them.

Trevaunance Cove

Trevaunance Cove

Trevaunance Cove lies along the St. Agnes Heritage Coast, a stretch of coastline designated a nationally protected area. The Heritage coast stretches for 12 miles, beginning at Godrevy Head and ending just past St. Agnes Head. St. Agnes Head is perhaps the most prominent point along this stretch of coast, and sitting on top of the point is a coastguard lookout.

St. Agnes Head

St. Agnes Heritage coast

St. Agnes Heritage coast

Godrevy Head lies to the east of St. Ives bay and lies within a Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The golden sandy beach stretches for 3 miles from Godrevy Head to Hayle to the south and is another surfers paradise. On top of Godrevy island sits a lighthouse, said to be the inspiration for Virginia Woolf's novel "To the Lighthouse". 

Godrevy with the lighthouse in the distance