Cape Cornwall Road, St Just, Penzance, Cornwall TR19 7NN
Cape Cornwall
Coastal reserve
Place photograph
8.4
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
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Cost
Dramatic
Feel
Why it's Wildland
8.4A dramatic headland near St Just, where the South West Coast Path reaches the sea and a distinctive summit landmark rises above the rugged Cornish coast.
Cape Cornwall earns its place for the way coastal drama and mining history meet in one compact headland. Come for the Atlantic views, then take care on steep, uneven paths beside old mine shafts and unguarded drops.
Dramatic · Wild · Atmospheric
Find your way
Open mapCape Cornwall Road, St Just, Penzance, Cornwall TR19 7NN
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The experience
Keep it simple: walk out to the headland, take in the coastal views and look for the physical traces of mining. For a longer outing, use the sourced St Just circular route, allowing for rough and uneven sections.
Things to do
Walk out to Cape Cornwall
Follow the footpaths from the car park to the headland and take in the coastal setting. Paths can be steep and uneven, with steps and unguarded drops.
Check locally
Walk the St Just to Cape Cornwall circular
A 3.9-mile loop combining roads, paths and sea cliffs, with coastal views and rougher sections that need care, particularly in wet weather.
1.5–2 hours
Look towards the Brisons
From the coast, look out for the offshore Brisons rocks. Take care near the cliff edge and remain on footpaths.
Notice the mining landscape
Cape Cornwall lies within a former mining landscape; look for visible remnants while staying on the paths and away from mineshafts and adits.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Allow about 1 hour; check route conditions and access locally.
Quick Escape: out to the headland
- 01
Start from the car park at the end of Cape Cornwall Road.
- 02
Follow an open footpath towards the headland and its distinctive summit landmark.
- 03
Pause for the sea views, then return by the same route.
- 04
Keep to footpaths and take care on steep, uneven ground and near unguarded drops.
Half day · About 1.5–2 hours for the sourced circular walk; allow extra time for stops.
Make a half day of it: St Just to Cape Cornwall circular
- 01
Start in St Just and follow the circular route towards the coast.
- 02
Join the South West Coast Path and continue to Cape Cornwall.
- 03
Pause at the headland for coastal views and to look for mining remains.
- 04
Return inland towards St Just, taking care on rough sections and roads.
- 05
If open, finish with a drink or snack at Little Wonder Cafe.
Verified history
Cape Cornwall sits in a mining landscape. The supplied attraction source describes the remains of Cape Cornwall Mine and identifies the wider area as part of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape UNESCO World Heritage Site. The National Trust warns that old mine shafts and adits remain in the area; keep to footpaths.
Folklore & legend
A walking-video description tells a local wrecker and “Death Ship” story associated with a longer walk from St Just. This is presented as folklore, not verified history, and the supplied source does not establish the story’s historical basis.
Hidden details
Old mine shafts and adits — The mining past is not only a story: the National Trust warns that shafts and horizontal adits are present. Stay on footpaths and do not approach openings.
The Brisons offshore — Look seaward for the Brisons rocks, a notable offshore feature visible from the Cape Cornwall area.
When to go
May · June · July · August · September · A clear, calmer morning is a sensible choice for views and walking; check the forecast before travelling.
A longer daylight window can make coastal walking easier to plan. The supplied walking source recommends sturdy footwear and cautions that rough sections can be more challenging in wet weather.
Coastal paths are exposed; the sourced route warns about rough sections, especially in wet weather. Check the forecast, wear suitable footwear and take extra care near steep, unguarded drops.
Worth pairing with
St Just
Pair the headland with a walk through St Just, a historic mining town. The supplied sources describe its church, historic town centre and mining heritage.
Little Wonder Cafe
A practical stop for hot or cold drinks, cakes and snacks at Cape Cornwall; check whether it is open before relying on it.
What to look for
Look for the headland’s distinctive summit landmark, the offshore Brisons rocks, and evidence of the area’s mining past. Keep to marked footpaths around shafts and adits.
The story
Mining heritage
Best time to go
May–September for longer days and coastal walking; check conditions before setting out.
Choose a clear, calmer day for the coastal views and an early start for a quieter walk. Check the forecast and path conditions before setting out.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Walkers · Photographers · History lovers · Dogs
Before you go
Address
Phone
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: 10am-4:30pm
- Tuesday: 10am-4:30pm
- Wednesday: 10am-4:30pm
- Thursday: 10am-4:30pm
- Friday: 10am-4:30pm
- Saturday: 10am-4:30pm
- Sunday: 10am-4:30pm
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
The headland is open from dawn to dusk. The National Trust gives directions to the car park at the end of Cape Cornwall Road. Paths include steep and uneven sections, steps and unguarded drops; keep to the footpaths around old mine workings.
Parking
Car park at the end of Cape Cornwall Road. No overnight parking or camping. Check current parking arrangements before visiting.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Toilet facilities are listed by the National Trust; check their website for opening times. An accessible toilet is available.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
Little Wonder Cafe serves hot and cold drinks, cakes and snacks; it is not run by the National Trust. Check opening before visiting.
Check before visiting
Dogs
Dogs should be kept on leads because of steep terrain and mineshafts. A seasonal dog ban applies on Priests Cove beach and slipway from Easter Sunday to 30 September. Keep dogs away from grazing cattle and ponies and follow current site guidance.
Accessibility
The source row reports a wheelchair-accessible car park, entrance and seating. The National Trust cautions that routes are very steep, with uneven ground, steps, narrow informal paths and unguarded drops. An accessible toilet is available. Check the full access guide before planning a visit.
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Cost
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Water
Sea
Gallery
Place photographs
Keep exploring
Around Cape Cornwall
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
