Tregantle Down

Downs, Moorland in Cornwall

England

Tregantle Down

On SW Coast Path - view W above Trethill Cliffs Credit: Colin Park

Tregantle Down is a prominent geographical feature located in Cornwall, England. It is a downs and moorland area that spans across approximately 4 square miles, making it one of the largest expanses of open land in the region. Situated on the Rame Peninsula, Tregantle Down offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, including the English Channel to the south.

The downland is characterized by its undulating terrain, composed of grassy slopes and rocky outcrops. Numerous footpaths crisscross the area, providing ample opportunities for walkers, hikers, and nature enthusiasts to explore the stunning scenery. The downs are known for their rich biodiversity, with a variety of plant and animal species calling this area their home.

One of the notable features of Tregantle Down is its military presence. The area is home to a military training facility known as Tregantle Fort, which is used by the British Army. The fort dates back to the 19th century and is still in active use today. Its strategic location on the coast makes it an important training ground for military personnel.

Tregantle Down is also known for its historical significance. The area has evidence of human habitation dating back thousands of years, with archaeological finds indicating prehistoric settlements in the vicinity. The downs have also been used for farming, with the remains of old field systems and boundaries still visible.

Overall, Tregantle Down is a picturesque and culturally significant area in Cornwall, offering visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty and historical heritage of the region.

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Tregantle Down Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.352809/-4.2667477 or Grid Reference SX3852. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

On SW Coast Path - view W above Trethill Cliffs

Colin Park

Tregantle Fort near Antony

Tregantle Fort is one of several forts surrounding Plymouth that were built as a result of a decision in Lord Palmerston's premiership to deter the French from attacking naval bases on the Channel coast. The fort was originally designed by Captain William Crossman, with later modifications by Captain (later Maj General) Edmund Frederick Du Cane. Construction commenced in 1859 and was completed in 1865. When originally designed it had provision for 35 large guns. By 1893 the guns consisted of five RBL 7 inch Armstrong guns and nineteen RML 64-pounders, together with a number of 32 Pounder Smooth Bore Breech Loading guns. Early in the 1900s it became an infantry battalion headquarters with 14 officers and 423 other ranks, and from 1903 was used for rifle training. Tregantle is infamous within the armed forces because many of the rifle ranges located there slope steeply down towards the sea. These ranges are still in use, primarily by personnel located at HMS Raleigh. Tregantle was vacated after World War I until 1938, when it was used as the Territorial Army Passive Air Defence School. During World War II it was used first as the Army Gas School and from 1942 as US Army accommodation. (source Wikipedia)

Colin Park

SW Coast Path between Tregantle Down & Freathy

Colin Park

Tregantle Rifle Range and The Kodima

This photograph looks out to sea over one of the rifle ranges at Tregantle Fort, although at this time it looks more like a timber yard. The ship beached in the bay is the Kodima which was stranded in heavy seas on 2nd February 2002. This photograph was taken 2 weeks later just before it was refloated. The ship was carrying a cargo of timber planks, much of which was washed up on local beaches and subsequently "liberated" by local people indulging in one of the oldest Cornish Traditions. Officials protested that this activity was against the law and generally not cricket but nobody paid much attention. A local pub put out a sign saying "Wreckers welcome".

Tony Atkin

Entrance to the path by Tregantle Fort

This permissive path is one of the most recently opened sections of the South West Coast Path. It is closed when the MOD firing ranges at Tregantle are being used, at which times walkers must take a detour to the landward side of the fort.

Tony Atkin

Tregantle Fort

This 19th century fortification was completed in 1865 and overlooks Whitsand Bay. The intention of the fort was to hold guns which could fire on ships at sea. Whilst its guns were upgraded in the late 19th century they did not keep pace with the advances in naval guns at the time. Tregantle Forts most famous resident was probably the American heavyweight boxing champion Joe Louis who was stationed here for a time in the Second World War. This photograph shows the southwestern aspect of the fort. The fort and its surrounds now contain rife ranges for military practice.

Tony Atkin

Clampet Lane

A narrow lane through mixed agricultural land to the north of Whitsand Bay.

Tony Atkin

Higher Tregantle Farm

Tony Atkin

World War II Pillbox

This old pillbox sits decaying in the corner of a field.

Tony Atkin

Looking out to sea near Sharrow Point

Sharrow Point juts out to sea on Whitsand Bay near Freathy. For a similar view, but on a much sunnier day taken 7 years later - see SX3952 : Whitsand Bay looking west from Sharrow Point

Rob Farrow

Rock Formation, Blarrick Cliff

This rosy cliff rises from the "Danger Area" beach below Tregantle Fort. (It's only a Danger Area when the red flags are flying signifying that they're using the firing ranges)

Rob Farrow

Long Sands near Tregantle

O.k. - a bit cheeky this one - but by my reckoning I've got the bit of sand that sneaks into SX3752 in this shot ! Edit: See a later shot, definitely taken within the square here SX3752 : Long Sands at very low tide

Rob Farrow

Fort Tregantle from the sea

Jacko

Tregantle Fort

Part of the fort near the viewpoint carpark.

John Poyser

National Trust Coastline

The turbulent sea at Sharrow Point

John Poyser

Coastline near Freathy

The dramatic coastline with Freathy perched on the cliffs.

John Poyser

Freathy Beach

Evening scene looking towards Looe

Darren Rosson

Coastal Pastures

It is a typically damp November day on the farmland above Whitsand Bay. The coast road is marked by the double hedge line.

Tony Atkin

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Tregantle Down is located at Grid Ref: SX3852 (Lat: 50.352809, Lng: -4.2667477)

Unitary Authority: Cornwall

Police Authority: Devon and Cornwall

What 3 Words

///requested.legroom.placidly. Near Millbrook, Cornwall

Nearby Locations

Long Sands Tregantle Cliff Tregantle Down

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