Treen, near Porthcurno, St Levan, Cornwall
Logan Rock
Strange monument
Place photograph
6.0
Wildland
Under 1 hour
Time
Check
Cost
Dramatic
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.0A 65-tonne boulder once rocked when pushed. In 1824, a Royal Navy crew tipped it into the sea to prove it could be moved; public outrage led to its costly return, after which it no longer rocked as before.
Logan Rock is a striking coastal curiosity with an unusually tangible story: the marks of the apparatus used to haul it back are still visible. Its setting on the rugged Treryn Dinas cliffs adds a wild Atlantic edge to what might otherwise be just a remarkable boulder.
Dramatic · Atmospheric
Find your way
Open mapTreen, near Porthcurno, St Levan, Cornwall
Opening map…
Know this place a little better?
The experience
Visit the balanced boulder on the cliff-top and look for the physical traces of its dramatic removal and return. The supplied information does not establish a specific signed route, facilities or permission to access every part of the headland.
Things to do
See the balanced boulder
Find the 65-tonne rock on the Treryn Dinas cliffs and observe how it rests above the sea. Keep to safe ground and do not assume that climbing onto it is permitted.
Under 1 hour
Look for the lifting attachments
Inspect the rock for the iron attachments associated with the lifting apparatus used to haul it back after it was tipped into the sea in 1824.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Under 1 hour
Find the balanced rock
- 01
Follow signs for Logan Rock from Treen, as described by the supplied source.
- 02
View the boulder from a safe, stable position.
- 03
Look for the iron attachments linked to the apparatus used to return it.
Verified history
The supplied Cornwall Guide account says that in 1824 Lieutenant Hugh Goldsmith, nephew of poet Oliver Goldsmith, led sailors from the Royal Navy cutter Nimble in tipping the rock into the sea. Following public outrage, the Admiralty ordered Goldsmith to have it returned at his own expense. The account says the work cost more than £130; once replaced, the rock no longer rocked as it had before. It also notes iron attachments visible on the rock, associated with the lifting apparatus.
Hidden details
Iron traces of the rescue — Look for the iron attachments associated with the lifting apparatus used to return the boulder after its removal.
When to go
April · May · June · July · August · September · Choose a clear, relatively calm period; check the weather and local conditions before setting out.
The supplied sources do not establish a seasonal highlight. Spring to autumn is a practical suggestion for a coastal visit, not a claim of seasonal wildlife or access conditions.
This is an exposed cliff-top location. Wind, rain and poor visibility can make the approach less comfortable and footing more hazardous. Check conditions before visiting.
Worth pairing with
Porthcurno and Pedn Vounder
The supplied Cornwall Guide places Logan Rock across the bay from Porthcurno, and the Expedia source describes it as near Porthcurno Beach and Pedn Vounder Beach. Check local access and conditions before adding a beach visit.
Logan’s Rock Inn
The supplied Expedia source mentions the inn as a place to leave a car and says it holds the original receipt associated with Lieutenant Goldsmith’s payment. Confirm current parking, opening and access arrangements before relying on this.
What to look for
Look for the iron attachments associated with the apparatus used to haul the rock back into place. Notice how the boulder sits on the cliff-top above the sea.
The story
Industry, Folklore & legend
Best time to go
Spring to autumn for longer, milder coastal walks; choose a clear day for views and take care in exposed or windy conditions.
Choose a clear, relatively calm day for coastal views and safer footing. Check local conditions before setting out.
How long to spend
Under 1 hour
Perfect for
Photographers · History lovers · Walkers
Before you go
Address
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
A naturally balanced granite rock on the cliffs at Treryn Dinas. The supplied sources describe following signs from Treen, but do not confirm current access arrangements. Check before visiting, keep to safe paths and do not climb onto the rock or unstable cliff edges. Access arrangements are unconfirmed. Check before visiting; do not enter private land or restricted structures.
Check before visiting
Parking
The supplied Expedia source mentions parking at Logan’s Rock Inn, but current parking availability and terms are not confirmed. Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Toilets
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Food & drink
The supplied Expedia source mentions Logan’s Rock Inn; current opening and food availability are not confirmed. Check before visiting.
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Dogs
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Accessibility
The source row reports no wheelchair-accessible car park or entrance. The approach and cliffside terrain may be unsuitable for some visitors; check current access information before travelling.
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Cost
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Check before visiting
Water
Sea
Gallery
Place photographs
Keep exploring
Around Logan Rock
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
