Penhill Point

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Devon North Devon

England

Penhill Point

Tarka Trail and Royal Marines' Base Walkers on the trail pass the water tower on the other side of the perimeter fence. — Tarka Trail and Royal Marines' Base Credit: Rabbi WP Thinrod

Penhill Point is a prominent headland located in Devon, England. Situated on the southwest coast, it is a well-known coastal feature that attracts visitors from near and far. With its stunning natural beauty and rich history, Penhill Point offers a captivating experience for all who visit.

Rising majestically from the sea, Penhill Point boasts towering cliffs that provide breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline. Its sheer height and rugged terrain make it a popular spot for hikers and nature enthusiasts seeking an adrenaline-filled adventure. The headland is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including rare plants and nesting seabirds, adding to its ecological significance.

In addition to its natural wonders, Penhill Point is steeped in history. It is believed to have played a significant role in maritime trade and defense, with remnants of ancient fortifications and structures still visible today. The headland's strategic position made it an ideal vantage point for spotting potential threats and guiding ships along the coast.

Visitors to Penhill Point can explore the area by following well-maintained trails that meander through the cliff tops, offering panoramic vistas of the sea and surrounding landscapes. The headland also offers opportunities for rock climbing and birdwatching, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

Overall, Penhill Point is a captivating coastal feature that combines natural beauty with historical significance. It is a must-visit destination for those seeking a memorable experience in the scenic county of Devon.

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Penhill Point Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.089525/-4.1179743 or Grid Reference SS5134. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Tarka Trail and Royal Marines' Base

Walkers on the trail pass the water tower on the other side of the perimeter fence.

Rabbi WP Thinrod

Water tower at RAF Chivenor

The Tarka Trail and water tower at RAF Chivenor.

Philip Halling

Tarka Trail

Tarka Trail by Chivenor base water tower

Shaun Ferguson

Entrance to RAF Chivenor

Almost all of this square is taken up by the RAF station. The Coast Path runs along the northern edge.

Tony Atkin

Cutting on dismantled railway at Penhill

The old railway line along the edge of the Taw estuary now carries the South West Coast Path and the Tarka Trail. It is also very popular as a cycle path.

Tony Atkin

Fremington Quay

This cafe and visitor's centre is a popular stop for cyclists. It has been built on the site of the old railway station.

Tony Atkin

Shelter on Tarka Trail between Fremington and Barnstaple

This intriguing shelter has been defaced by spray-can artists.

David Smith

Anchored on the Taw

The River Taw, taken from the Tarka Trail cycle path near Heanton Court.

Ron Strutt

Tarka Trail cycle path near Barnstaple

The Tarka Trail cycle path looking towards Barnstaple from near Strand House. The cycle path uses the course of the old Ilfracombe to Barnstaple railway, which here also forms the sea wall.

Ron Strutt

Cyclists on the Tarka Trail

This photograph is a bit of a cheat. I wanted a picture of a big group of cyclists but the lady in the front came along well ahead of her friends. So I took two pictures and assembled them together. Unfortunately my cut and paste missed part of the shadow of the front bike wheel!

Ron Strutt

Fremington Station on the Tarka Trail

Two miles from Barnstaple the Tarka Trail comes to Fremington, which has seen a massive transformation in recent years. Once Devon's second busiest port – much of the china clay produced further south was shipped out through here – Fremington had become almost derelict, with an abandoned cottage the only building in sight. Now there is a visitor centre with a café and cycle hire base, and a replica (the original actually stood on the opposite platform) of the tall signalbox has been built; its height was intended to give the signalman a good view over the quayside sidings.

Ron Strutt

The River Taw from Fremington

Looking out over the River Taw from Fremington towards RAF Chivenor (left of picture) on the far bank.

Ron Strutt

The old quay at Fremington

Now a Visitor Centre, this used to be a busy working quay, part of the railway station, importing coal for the area later distributed by rail

Martin Southwood

Freminton Pill, Fremington, N.Devon.

Maurice Clements

Cycle Path past RAF Chivenor

This path is a part of both the South West Coast Path and the Tarka Trail. It is built on the course of an old railway line.

Tony Atkin

A Path for Everybody

For most of its length around the Taw estuary, the path which constitutes part of the Southwest Coast Path and the Tarka Trail is built along disused railway lines and surfaced as a cycle track making it suitable for anyone to use.

Tony Atkin