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St Catherine's Point

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Cornwall

England

St Catherine's Point

View NE across Fowey Harbour from Daglands Road
View NE across Fowey Harbour from Daglands Road Credit: Ian Cunliffe

St Catherine's Point is a prominent coastal feature located on the southern coast of Cornwall, England. It is a picturesque headland that juts out into the English Channel and is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and rich history.

Situated near the village of Niton, St Catherine's Point offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding coastline and the vast expanse of the ocean. The headland is characterized by towering cliffs that reach heights of up to 100 meters, creating a dramatic and imposing landscape. These cliffs are composed of sedimentary rocks, such as limestone and sandstone, which have been shaped over centuries by the erosive forces of the sea.

The point is also home to the iconic St Catherine's Lighthouse, which has been guiding ships since 1323. The current lighthouse, built in 1838, stands at an impressive 24 meters tall and is still operational today. Its distinctive white tower with red stripes serves as a navigational landmark for ships sailing along the treacherous waters of the English Channel.

In addition to its natural and historical significance, St Catherine's Point is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The headland offers excellent opportunities for walking, hiking, and birdwatching, with various trails and viewpoints scattered throughout the area. Visitors can observe a diverse range of seabirds, including fulmars, gannets, and kittiwakes, as well as occasional sightings of dolphins and seals.

Overall, St Catherine's Point is a captivating coastal feature that combines stunning natural beauty, historical significance, and recreational opportunities. Its towering cliffs, scenic views, and iconic lighthouse make it a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists alike.

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St Catherine's Point Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.328296/-4.6444454 or Grid Reference SX1150. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

View NE across Fowey Harbour from Daglands Road
View NE across Fowey Harbour from Daglands Road
Lostwithiel Street
Lostwithiel Street
The Esplanade Fowey had many visitors on account of several days of fine sunny weather. I swear we once stayed in a hotel somewhere here on the left - on the seaward side of the Esplanade. It must have undergone a change of use, however, since I could no longer find it on this visit.
The Esplanade
Fowey had many visitors on account of several days of fine sunny weather. I swear we once stayed in a hotel somewhere here on the left - on the seaward side of the Esplanade. It must have undergone a change of use, however, since I could no longer find it on this visit.
Fowey Harbour Hotel There are other "Harbour Hotels" that are part of the same group - eg in Chichester and Brighton.
Fowey Harbour Hotel
There are other "Harbour Hotels" that are part of the same group - eg in Chichester and Brighton.
Yacht in Fowey Harbour
Yacht in Fowey Harbour
Path below Fowey Harbour Hotel - view to the SW The hotel has two entrances. This path leads to the lower pedestrian entrance on the Esplanade. The main entrance is on the other (north) side - off Daglands Road.
Path below Fowey Harbour Hotel - view to the SW
The hotel has two entrances. This path leads to the lower pedestrian entrance on the Esplanade. The main entrance is on the other (north) side - off Daglands Road.
Cluster of buildings near The Quay This is a cross-grid shot. The camera was in SX1251.
Cluster of buildings near The Quay
This is a cross-grid shot. The camera was in SX1251.
Yachts in Fowey Harbour - view to the SSE The headland on the far side is the end of the peninsula on which Polruan sits. This headland doesn't appear to have any name on the OS Map.
Yachts in Fowey Harbour - view to the SSE
The headland on the far side is the end of the peninsula on which Polruan sits. This headland doesn't appear to have any name on the OS Map.
Dining room - Fowey Harbour Hotel
Dining room - Fowey Harbour Hotel
Evening view to the WSW - below the Fowey Harbour Hotel
Evening view to the WSW - below the Fowey Harbour Hotel
Fowey River from the Bodinnick Ferry A view up the Fowey River, taken from the car ferry between Bodinnick and Fowey.
Fowey River from the Bodinnick Ferry
A view up the Fowey River, taken from the car ferry between Bodinnick and Fowey.
Bodinnick and Fowey A view of Bodinnick and Fowey, with the Fowey River between. Photograph taken from the terrace of the Ferry Inn.
Bodinnick and Fowey
A view of Bodinnick and Fowey, with the Fowey River between. Photograph taken from the terrace of the Ferry Inn.
Fowey - Boats and a heron A grey heron (Ardea cinerea) appears to be looking at the two moored boats with their red and blue covers ... but he's more likely interested in finding a fish.
Fowey - Boats and a heron
A grey heron (Ardea cinerea) appears to be looking at the two moored boats with their red and blue covers ... but he's more likely interested in finding a fish.
Fowey - Rook with a book sculpture This striking sculpture of a 'rook with a book' is a reference to local author Daphne du Maurier. For the full story behind this public artwork, see <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://thrussells.com/fowey-rook-with-a-book-sculpture" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://thrussells.com/fowey-rook-with-a-book-sculpture">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Fowey - Rook with a book sculpture
This striking sculpture of a 'rook with a book' is a reference to local author Daphne du Maurier. For the full story behind this public artwork, see LinkExternal link
Polruan from Fowey Looking over to the village of Polruan from the quayside in Fowey. A regular ferry can be taken between the two, running roughly every fifteen minutes during the day. The price each way [adult, 2021] is £2.50.
Polruan from Fowey
Looking over to the village of Polruan from the quayside in Fowey. A regular ferry can be taken between the two, running roughly every fifteen minutes during the day. The price each way [adult, 2021] is £2.50.
Fowey - Remains of blockhouse from Polruan blockhouse The entrance to Fowey harbour was guarded by two blockhouses one in Polruan which is still in quite good condition (though an empty shell) and the other, far more ruinous, on the Fowey side - seen here. A very heavy chain was slung between the two - normally well below the waterline. But in the event of attack this chain could be raised to effectively seal the entrance.
Fowey - Remains of blockhouse from Polruan blockhouse
The entrance to Fowey harbour was guarded by two blockhouses one in Polruan which is still in quite good condition (though an empty shell) and the other, far more ruinous, on the Fowey side - seen here. A very heavy chain was slung between the two - normally well below the waterline. But in the event of attack this chain could be raised to effectively seal the entrance.
Sea mine collection box on Fowey Town Quay A sea mine from the Second World War is now a collection box. The Shipwrecked Mariners' Society provides financial support and practical assistance to merchant seafarers, fisherfolk and their dependants. The sea mines were used to defend the British coast and harbours during the war. After the war, approximately 200 mine casings were donated to the society by the Admiralty for use as collection boxes. 60 of these currently survive at coastal towns around the country. The text on the brass slotted plate through which you deposit your donation says 'The Shipwrecked Fishermen & Mariners Royal Benevolent Society - founded in 1839 for the alleviation of every phase of shipwreck distress among the seafaring population and their dependents. Over 1,000,000 cases relieved. "There is sorrow on the sea". The collection box seems to have been relocated to a new position by the Town Quay steps, one of the pick up points used by the Polruan ferry. A Geograph image loaded in 2009 shows it previously stood on the spot which is now occupied by the statue called 'Rook with a book', a tribute to Daphne Du Maurier which was unveiled in 2018.
Sea mine collection box on Fowey Town Quay
A sea mine from the Second World War is now a collection box. The Shipwrecked Mariners' Society provides financial support and practical assistance to merchant seafarers, fisherfolk and their dependants. The sea mines were used to defend the British coast and harbours during the war. After the war, approximately 200 mine casings were donated to the society by the Admiralty for use as collection boxes. 60 of these currently survive at coastal towns around the country. The text on the brass slotted plate through which you deposit your donation says 'The Shipwrecked Fishermen & Mariners Royal Benevolent Society - founded in 1839 for the alleviation of every phase of shipwreck distress among the seafaring population and their dependents. Over 1,000,000 cases relieved. "There is sorrow on the sea". The collection box seems to have been relocated to a new position by the Town Quay steps, one of the pick up points used by the Polruan ferry. A Geograph image loaded in 2009 shows it previously stood on the spot which is now occupied by the statue called 'Rook with a book', a tribute to Daphne Du Maurier which was unveiled in 2018.
Passage Street According to the map, Passage Street becomes Station Road somewhere around the corner.
Passage Street
According to the map, Passage Street becomes Station Road somewhere around the corner.
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St Catherine's Point is located at Grid Ref: SX1150 (Lat: 50.328296, Lng: -4.6444454)

Unitary Authority: Cornwall

Police Authority: Devon and Cornwall

What 3 Words

///release.leads.tripling. Near Fowey, Cornwall

Nearby Locations

Allday's Fields Southground Cliffs Little Coombe Hawne St Catherine's Point Coombe Hawne Penventinue Cove

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 50.328296,-4.6444454
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 50.3291502/-4.6454773
OpenStreetMap
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Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 50.329141/-4.6385
OpenStreetMap
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Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 50.3271327/-4.6385517
OpenStreetMap
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Bus Stop
Readymoney Car Park
Bus: yes
Naptan AtcoCode: 0800COZ06425
Naptan Bearing: SE
Naptan CommonName: Readymoney Car Park
Naptan Crossing: Tower Park
Naptan NaptanCode: corgajtj
Naptan Street: Hanson Drive
Naptan Verified: no
Public Transport: platform
Source: naptan_import
Lat/Long: 50.3321528/-4.646572
OpenStreetMap
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Bus Stop
Ready Money Corner
Bus: yes
Naptan AtcoCode: 0800FWW38518
Naptan Bearing: SW
Naptan CommonName: Ready Money Corner
Naptan Crossing: Readymoney Road
Naptan NaptanCode: cordmtpj
Naptan Street: Tower Park
Naptan Verified: no
Public Transport: platform
Shelter: no
Source: naptan_import
Lat/Long: 50.3304057/-4.6431023
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Tourism: viewpoint
Lat/Long: 50.3298432/-4.6384312
OpenStreetMap
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St Saviour's Point
Tourism: viewpoint
Lat/Long: 50.326368/-4.6382409
OpenStreetMap
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Man Made: cross
Natural: rock
Lat/Long: 50.3271238/-4.6399581
OpenStreetMap
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Barrier: stile
Lat/Long: 50.3270151/-4.6511207
OpenStreetMap
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Post Box
Check Date Collection Times: 2022-08-14
Collection Times: Mo-Fr 09:00; Sa 07:00
Fixme: location approx
Post Box Type: wall
Ref: PL23 46D
Royal Cypher: EIIR
Royal Cypher Wikidata: Q33102113
Lat/Long: 50.3306895/-4.6428599
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Bench
Backrest: yes
Source: survey;gps
Lat/Long: 50.327825/-4.6502758
OpenStreetMap
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Alldays Fields
Description: These fields were presented to the people of Fowey by G. James Allday ESQ. M.B.E. 28th March 1951
Information: board
Tourism: information
Lat/Long: 50.3283153/-4.6466485
OpenStreetMap
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Bench
Source: survey;gps
Lat/Long: 50.3282398/-4.6455464
OpenStreetMap
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Historic: memorial
Lat/Long: 50.3284228/-4.6457969
OpenStreetMap
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Bench
Source: survey;gps
Lat/Long: 50.3284074/-4.6457352
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
The Saints Way
Board Type: history
Check Date: 2022-08-14
Information: board
Tourism: information
Lat/Long: 50.3295212/-4.646697
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Bench
Backrest: yes
Source: survey;gps
Lat/Long: 50.3297428/-4.6455681
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Bench
Backrest: yes
Source: survey;gps
Lat/Long: 50.3296885/-4.6456425
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Bench
Backrest: yes
Source: survey;gps
Lat/Long: 50.3297026/-4.6456237
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Bench
Backrest: yes
Source: survey;gps
Lat/Long: 50.3297223/-4.6455962
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Bench
Source: survey;gps
Lat/Long: 50.3324349/-4.6423257
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Bench
Source: survey;gps
Lat/Long: 50.3323887/-4.6423941
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Bench
Source: survey;gps
Lat/Long: 50.3321952/-4.6426704
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Bench
Source: survey;gps
Lat/Long: 50.3321199/-4.6427696
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Bench
Backrest: no
Source: survey;gps
Lat/Long: 50.3264046/-4.6381847
OpenStreetMap
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Entrance: yes
Lat/Long: 50.329739/-4.6381689
OpenStreetMap
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Entrance: yes
Lat/Long: 50.3297036/-4.6380315
OpenStreetMap
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Bench
Backrest: yes
Lat/Long: 50.3319556/-4.6414274
OpenStreetMap
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Bench
Backrest: yes
Lat/Long: 50.3300428/-4.6435032
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The Ledge
Natural: cliff
Lat/Long: 50.3299105/-4.6433597
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Cafe
Readymoney Beach Shop
Addr City: Fowey
Addr Country: GB
Addr Housename: Readymoney Beach Shop
Addr Place: Readymoney Cove
Addr Postcode: PL23 1JH
Addr Street: Readymoney Road
Cuisine: coffee_shop
Fhrs Id: 955724
Opening Hours: Mo-Su 10:00-17:00
Smoking: no
Source Addr: FHRS Open Data
Lat/Long: 50.3296953/-4.645797
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Information: board
Survey Date: 2021-12-23
Tourism: information
Lat/Long: 50.3273662/-4.637666
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Life Ring
Emergency: life_ring
Survey Date: 2021-12-23
Lat/Long: 50.3297456/-4.6381813
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Bench
Backrest: no
Survey Date: 2021-12-23
Lat/Long: 50.3272774/-4.6376827
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
WW2 Coastal Artillery Gun Emplacement [No. 2 Gun] (site of)
Building: bunker
Bunker Type: gun_emplacement
Military: bunker
Lat/Long: 50.3282151/-4.6443505
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
WW2 Coastal Artillery Gun Emplacement No. 1 (site of)
Building: bunker
Bunker Type: gun_emplacement
Military: bunker
Lat/Long: 50.3282667/-4.6453107
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
WW2 Hut for Coastal Artillery Battery (site of)
Building: bunker
Bunker Type: hut
Military: bunker
Lat/Long: 50.3289624/-4.648552
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
WW2 Hut for Coastal Artillery Battery (site of)
Building: bunker
Bunker Type: hut
Military: bunker
Lat/Long: 50.3289255/-4.648489
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
WW2 War Shelter (remains of)
Building: bunker
Bunker Type: mess
Military: bunker
Lat/Long: 50.3285084/-4.6455803
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
WW2 Coastal Artillery Battery Observation Post (site of)
Building: bunker
Bunker Type: observation
Military: bunker
Lat/Long: 50.3284206/-4.645701
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Life Ring
Emergency: life_ring
Survey Date: 2022-02-26
Lat/Long: 50.3296741/-4.6458131
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Post Box
Collection Times: Mo-Fr 09:00; Sa 07:00
Operator: Royal Mail
Operator Wikidata: Q638098
Ref: PL23 235D
Royal Cypher: EIIR
Royal Cypher Wikidata: Q33102113
Survey Date: 2022-02-26
Lat/Long: 50.3314098/-4.6443487
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Waste Basket
Survey Date: 2022-02-26
Lat/Long: 50.3324258/-4.6423484
OpenStreetMap
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Defibrillator
Emergency: defibrillator
Indoor: no
Survey Date: 2022-02-26
Lat/Long: 50.3297195/-4.6458877
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Fire Hydrant
Emergency: fire_hydrant
Survey Date: 2022-02-26
Lat/Long: 50.3309404/-4.6444673
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Waste Basket
Survey Date: 2022-08-14
Lat/Long: 50.330127/-4.6434521
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Waste Basket
Survey Date: 2022-08-14
Lat/Long: 50.3297508/-4.6456307
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Bench
Backrest: yes
Survey Date: 2022-08-14
Lat/Long: 50.3319732/-4.6413881
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Waste Basket
Survey Date: 2022-08-14
Lat/Long: 50.3306124/-4.6429559
OpenStreetMap
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Bus Stop
Fowey Tower Park (SE-bound)
Bus: yes
Long Name: Fowey Tower Park (SE-bound)
Naptan AdministrativeAreaCode: 73
Naptan AtcoCode: 0800COA15671
Naptan Bearing: SE
Naptan BusStopType: CUS
Naptan CommonName: Tower Park
Naptan Indicator: SE-bound
Naptan LocalityName: Fowey
Naptan ModificationDate: 2023-04-06 10:33
Naptan NptgLocalityCode: E0044638
Naptan RegionCode: corgjmjp
Naptan Verified: no
Public Transport: platform
Lat/Long: 50.3304686/-4.6450627
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Bus Stop
Readymoney Car Park
Bus: yes
Long Name: Fowey Readymoney Car Park (S-bound)
Naptan AdministrativeAreaCode: 73
Naptan AtcoCode: 0800COA15670
Naptan Bearing: S
Naptan BusStopType: MKD
Naptan CommonName: Readymoney Car Park
Naptan Indicator: S-bound
Naptan LocalityName: Fowey
Naptan ModificationDate: 2023-04-06 10:31
Naptan NptgLocalityCode: E0044638
Naptan RegionCode: corgjmjm
Public Transport: platform
Lat/Long: 50.3319787/-4.6474241
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Bus Stop
Gallant's Drive
Bus: yes
Long Name: Fowey Gallant's Drive (E-bound)
Naptan AdministrativeAreaCode: 73
Naptan AtcoCode: 0800COA15669
Naptan Bearing: E
Naptan BusStopType: MKD
Naptan CommonName: Gallant's Drive
Naptan Indicator: E-bound
Naptan LocalityName: Fowey
Naptan ModificationDate: 2023-04-28 14:09
Naptan NptgLocalityCode: E0044638
Naptan RegionCode: corgjmjg
Naptan Street: Hanson Drive
Naptan Verified: no
Public Transport: platform
Lat/Long: 50.3314386/-4.6443217
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.
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