Middle Ledge

Island in Cornwall

England

Middle Ledge

The end of South Cuckoo Adjacent to Scilly Rock
The end of South Cuckoo Credit: Andrew Abbott

Middle Ledge is a small island located off the coast of Cornwall, England. Situated approximately 1 kilometer southwest of the larger island of St. Michael's Mount, Middle Ledge measures about 100 meters in length and 50 meters in width. The island is composed of rugged granite cliffs that rise up to 10 meters above sea level, providing a striking sight against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean.

Accessible only by boat during low tide, Middle Ledge offers visitors a unique and secluded experience. The island is renowned for its diverse wildlife, including a variety of seabirds such as gulls, cormorants, and puffins that nest along its cliffs. The surrounding waters are also home to a rich marine ecosystem, attracting snorkelers and divers who can explore the vibrant underwater world.

Middle Ledge has a fascinating history, with evidence of early human settlements dating back to the Bronze Age. It is believed that the island was used as a seasonal fishing camp, as evidenced by the remnants of ancient fishing equipment discovered on its shores. In more recent times, Middle Ledge served as a lookout point during World War II, offering strategic views of the English Channel.

Today, Middle Ledge remains largely untouched by human development, providing a peaceful retreat for nature enthusiasts and those seeking solitude. Its unspoiled beauty and remote location make it a popular destination for photographers, hikers, and birdwatchers. However, visitors are advised to check tide times and weather conditions before planning their trip to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on this enchanting island.

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Middle Ledge Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 49.939789/-6.3851821 or Grid Reference SV8513. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The end of South Cuckoo Adjacent to Scilly Rock
The end of South Cuckoo
Adjacent to Scilly Rock
The gap between Scilly Rock and South Cuckoo On a seals and birds trip on Firethorn of Bryher
The gap between Scilly Rock and South Cuckoo
On a seals and birds trip on Firethorn of Bryher
Little Maiden Bower Looking towards Bryher
Little Maiden Bower
Looking towards Bryher
Mincarlo Island From Firethorn of Tresco Boat Services
Mincarlo Island
From Firethorn of Tresco Boat Services
Southern end of Mincarlo From Firethorn of Tresco Boat Services
Southern end of Mincarlo
From Firethorn of Tresco Boat Services
Biggal rock From Firethorn of Tresco Boat Services
Biggal rock
From Firethorn of Tresco Boat Services
Castle Bryher rock From Firethorn of Tresco Boat Services
Castle Bryher rock
From Firethorn of Tresco Boat Services
Seal Rock From Firethorn of Tresco Boat Services
Seal Rock
From Firethorn of Tresco Boat Services
Atlantic Grey Seal On Black Rocks
Atlantic Grey Seal
On Black Rocks
Biggal rock From just south of Mincarlo
Biggal rock
From just south of Mincarlo
Puffins standing on Mincarlo Puffins on Mincarlo taken from boat
Puffins standing on Mincarlo
Puffins on Mincarlo taken from boat
Puffin taking off Puffin runs across the surface of the sea while gaining sufficinet speed to take off.
Cannot be perfectly sure of position to within 100m
Puffin taking off
Puffin runs across the surface of the sea while gaining sufficinet speed to take off. Cannot be perfectly sure of position to within 100m
Crow Island Rocky reef off the end of Gweal Hill. The Northern (or Norrad) rocks in the background.
Crow Island
Rocky reef off the end of Gweal Hill. The Northern (or Norrad) rocks in the background.
Headland at Gweal Hill The westernmost point of Bryher. The rocky headland to the right <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/SV8614">SV8614</a> is more or less inaccessible from the land on account of the low cliff. Crow Island <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/SV8614">SV8614</a> lies just offshore to the left. Some of the Northern (or Norrad) Rocks can be seen out to sea. Castle Bryher lies beyond Crow Island with Mincario <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/SV8512">SV8512</a> beyond and to the right. Illiswilgig <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/SV8513">SV8513</a> lies further to the right (beyond the headland).
Headland at Gweal Hill
The westernmost point of Bryher. The rocky headland to the right SV8614 is more or less inaccessible from the land on account of the low cliff. Crow Island SV8614 lies just offshore to the left. Some of the Northern (or Norrad) Rocks can be seen out to sea. Castle Bryher lies beyond Crow Island with Mincario SV8512 beyond and to the right. Illiswilgig SV8513 lies further to the right (beyond the headland).
South end of Gweal Seen from the headland at Gweal Hill. Some of the Northern (or Norrad) rocks can be seen out to sea - Black Rocks to the left, with Maiden Bower <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/SV8414">SV8414</a> furthest out.
South end of Gweal
Seen from the headland at Gweal Hill. Some of the Northern (or Norrad) rocks can be seen out to sea - Black Rocks to the left, with Maiden Bower SV8414 furthest out.
Western coast of Bryher Seen from the summit of Gweal Hill. Merrick Island stands in the mouth of the bay, with Heathy Hill on the next peninsula. Beyond lies Samson <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/SV8713">SV8713</a>, the largest uninhabited island in the Scillies. Annet <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/SV8608">SV8608</a> can just be seen on the far horizon.
Western coast of Bryher
Seen from the summit of Gweal Hill. Merrick Island stands in the mouth of the bay, with Heathy Hill on the next peninsula. Beyond lies Samson SV8713, the largest uninhabited island in the Scillies. Annet SV8608 can just be seen on the far horizon.
Droppy Nose Point The south-westernmost tip of Bryher. Some of the Northern (or Norrad) Rocks can be seen out to sea - the nearest being Gerwick <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/SV8614">SV8614</a> to the left and Castle Bryher <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/SV8613">SV8613</a> to the right.
Droppy Nose Point
The south-westernmost tip of Bryher. Some of the Northern (or Norrad) Rocks can be seen out to sea - the nearest being Gerwick SV8614 to the left and Castle Bryher SV8613 to the right.
Merrick Island Standing in the mouth of Great Porth on the west coast of Bryher. Seen near high tide - there are further extensive reefs exposed at low water.
Merrick Island
Standing in the mouth of Great Porth on the west coast of Bryher. Seen near high tide - there are further extensive reefs exposed at low water.
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Middle Ledge is located at Grid Ref: SV8513 (Lat: 49.939789, Lng: -6.3851821)

Division: Isles of Scilly

Unitary Authority: Isles of Scilly

Police Authority: Devon and Cornwall

What 3 Words

///lure.qualifier.palace. Near Bryher, Isles of Scilly

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