Western Rocks

Island Group in Cornwall

England

Western Rocks

Great Crebawethan Just a couple of rocks and a lighthouse between here and America, this is extreme Land's End.
The Western Rocks are a string of jagged outcrops like this which have wrecked many ships.
From a print, date not exact.
Great Crebawethan Credit: Des Blenkinsopp

The Western Rocks are a group of small rocky islands situated off the coast of Cornwall, England. Located approximately 12 miles west of Land's End, these islands form part of the Isles of Scilly archipelago. The Western Rocks consist of around 20 small islands and numerous islets, with the largest island being the aptly named Great Western Rock.

These islands are known for their rugged and wild landscapes, characterized by towering granite cliffs and rocky outcrops. The Western Rocks are a haven for seabirds, with colonies of gulls, cormorants, razorbills, and puffins nesting on the cliffs. The surrounding waters are also home to a diverse range of marine life, including seals, dolphins, and basking sharks.

The Western Rocks have a rich maritime history, with several shipwrecks dotting the area. The treacherous nature of the rocks and strong currents have made navigation perilous, leading to numerous maritime disasters over the centuries. As a result, the islands are a popular spot for divers, who explore the underwater wrecks and enjoy the vibrant marine life.

Access to the Western Rocks is restricted due to their protected status as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. However, boat trips and guided tours are available from the nearby Isles of Scilly, providing visitors with the opportunity to see these unique and untouched islands. The Western Rocks offer a glimpse into Cornwall's untamed nature and provide a sanctuary for wildlife in this beautiful part of the world.

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Western Rocks Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 49.871377/-6.401931 or Grid Reference SV8306. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Great Crebawethan Just a couple of rocks and a lighthouse between here and America, this is extreme Land's End.
The Western Rocks are a string of jagged outcrops like this which have wrecked many ships.
From a print, date not exact.
Great Crebawethan
Just a couple of rocks and a lighthouse between here and America, this is extreme Land's End. The Western Rocks are a string of jagged outcrops like this which have wrecked many ships. From a print, date not exact.
Trenemene - Scilly One of the granite rocks of the Western Rocks of Scilly.
Trenemene - Scilly
One of the granite rocks of the Western Rocks of Scilly.
Gorregan - Scilly Carn Ithen - the most eastern rock of Gorregan, Western Rocks.
Gorregan - Scilly
Carn Ithen - the most eastern rock of Gorregan, Western Rocks.
Western Rocks - Scillies Great Crebawethan - these islands are solely for seabirds and seals. One of the most isolated parts of the Scillies.
Western Rocks - Scillies
Great Crebawethan - these islands are solely for seabirds and seals. One of the most isolated parts of the Scillies.
Rosevear - Scillies The northern tip of this nature refuge for seals and seabirds.
Rosevear - Scillies
The northern tip of this nature refuge for seals and seabirds.
Western Rocks - Scilly The low lying Western Rocks viewed from Gorregan Neck. These sharp pieces of granite are perfect ship wreckers in a bad, misty sea.
Western Rocks - Scilly
The low lying Western Rocks viewed from Gorregan Neck. These sharp pieces of granite are perfect ship wreckers in a bad, misty sea.
Rags - Scilly One of the isolated granite crags of the Western Rocks. A favourite haunt of cormorants.
Rags - Scilly
One of the isolated granite crags of the Western Rocks. A favourite haunt of cormorants.
Trenemene from Gorregan These rocks are on the edge of Scilly. It is very popular with scuba divers.
Trenemene from Gorregan
These rocks are on the edge of Scilly. It is very popular with scuba divers.
Western Rocks - Scilly These rocks lie right out on the south western edge of Scilly. The rock in the distance is the infamous Gilstone which has been the cause of many shipwrecks - most notably the Association in the early 1700's.
Western Rocks - Scilly
These rocks lie right out on the south western edge of Scilly. The rock in the distance is the infamous Gilstone which has been the cause of many shipwrecks - most notably the Association in the early 1700's.
Scilly seals A group of basking seals seen near Great Crebawethan on a boat trip to Bishops Rock.
Scilly seals
A group of basking seals seen near Great Crebawethan on a boat trip to Bishops Rock.
Atlantic Grey Seal On Great Crebawethan
Atlantic Grey Seal
On Great Crebawethan
Biggal of Gorregan From the East.
Biggal of Gorregan
From the East.
Biggal of Gorregan From the South.
Biggal of Gorregan
From the South.
Little Crebawethan On a choppy and rainy day.
Little Crebawethan
On a choppy and rainy day.
Western Rocks, Scilly, with the Bishop Rock Lighthouse The rocks in the foreground are probably Jacky's Rock, with Jolly Rock beyond. The Bishop Rock is approximately three kilometres beyond these.
Western Rocks, Scilly, with the Bishop Rock Lighthouse
The rocks in the foreground are probably Jacky's Rock, with Jolly Rock beyond. The Bishop Rock is approximately three kilometres beyond these.
Western Rocks, Isles of Scilly Western Rocks, Rosevean and Rosevear, Isles of Scilly
Western Rocks, Isles of Scilly
Western Rocks, Rosevean and Rosevear, Isles of Scilly
The Gilstone, Western Rocks The Gilstone was the site where HMS Association foundered in 1707. The ship was commanded by Sir Cloudesley Shovell who was washed up on the beach at Porth Hellick on St Mary's
The Gilstone, Western Rocks
The Gilstone was the site where HMS Association foundered in 1707. The ship was commanded by Sir Cloudesley Shovell who was washed up on the beach at Porth Hellick on St Mary's
Gorregan Home to seals and seabirds, managed by The Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust.  Landing is not permitted at any time.
Gorregan
Home to seals and seabirds, managed by The Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust. Landing is not permitted at any time.
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Western Rocks is located at Grid Ref: SV8306 (Lat: 49.871377, Lng: -6.401931)

Division: Isles of Scilly

Unitary Authority: Isles of Scilly

Police Authority: Devon and Cornwall

What 3 Words

///twilight.abode.landowner. Near St Agnes, Isles of Scilly

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