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Western Rock

Island in Cornwall

England

Western Rock

Field with prehistoric cairn and field system To the east of Barnaby Lane, which runs just over the wall on the right. Scheduled Monument List Entry Number:1015002 <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1015002?section=official-list-entry" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1015002?section=official-list-entry">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>
Field with prehistoric cairn and field system Credit: David Lally

Western Rock is a small uninhabited island located off the coast of Cornwall, England. Situated in the Celtic Sea, it is part of the Isles of Scilly archipelago and lies approximately 30 miles southwest of Land's End. The island is known for its unique rock formations and rich biodiversity.

Covering an area of just 0.1 hectares, Western Rock is predominantly composed of granite, which has been shaped by erosion over thousands of years, creating fascinating formations such as arches and stacks. These geological features make it a popular destination for photographers and nature enthusiasts.

The island serves as an important breeding ground for seabirds, including the European storm petrel and the Atlantic puffin. It is also home to various other bird species such as herring gulls and razorbills. The surrounding waters are teeming with marine life, including seals, dolphins, and a diverse range of fish species.

Due to its remote location and treacherous waters, Western Rock is inaccessible to the general public. However, it can be admired from a distance by taking boat trips or by hiking along the coastal paths of nearby islands. The island is also an important navigation marker for ships passing through the region.

Overall, Western Rock is a stunning geological and ecological gem in the Isles of Scilly, offering visitors a glimpse into the wild beauty of the Cornish coastline and its diverse marine ecosystem.

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Western Rock Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 49.885115/-6.3513194 or Grid Reference SV8707. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Field with prehistoric cairn and field system To the east of Barnaby Lane, which runs just over the wall on the right. Scheduled Monument List Entry Number:1015002 <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1015002?section=official-list-entry" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1015002?section=official-list-entry">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>
Field with prehistoric cairn and field system
To the east of Barnaby Lane, which runs just over the wall on the right. Scheduled Monument List Entry Number:1015002 LinkExternal link
Table laid-out for the St Agnes Coronation Street Party The “street” in this case is Old Lane. No traffic order is required to close the road here! The Island Hall on the left had tables groaning under the weight of many cakes and other treats.
Table laid-out for the St Agnes Coronation Street Party
The “street” in this case is Old Lane. No traffic order is required to close the road here! The Island Hall on the left had tables groaning under the weight of many cakes and other treats.
Remains of a 19th century gig-shed On the north east edge of Per Askin. Of all the islands St Agnes as it is the most south westerly was in the best-placed to spot incoming vessels and launch a pilot-gig . Per Askin at the south west of the island would further increase the chance of getting a pilot aboard first. St Agnes pilots (typically named Hicks) would then guide the ships as far as Bristol or the south coast ports. A major source of income for the Island throughout the 19th century. A Scheduled Monument List Entry Number:1009280 <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1009280?section=official-list-entry" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1009280?section=official-list-entry">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>
Remains of a 19th century gig-shed
On the north east edge of Per Askin. Of all the islands St Agnes as it is the most south westerly was in the best-placed to spot incoming vessels and launch a pilot-gig . Per Askin at the south west of the island would further increase the chance of getting a pilot aboard first. St Agnes pilots (typically named Hicks) would then guide the ships as far as Bristol or the south coast ports. A major source of income for the Island throughout the 19th century. A Scheduled Monument List Entry Number:1009280 LinkExternal link
A stile to Browarth A tad more conventional than 15 years ago <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/827432">SV8708 : Crate Based Stile</a>.
A stile to Browarth
A tad more conventional than 15 years ago SV8708 : Crate Based Stile.
Two post-medieval quays These quays are believed to have been built to land coal for the St Agnes lighthouse. For more details see the details on their Historic England listing: List Entry Number:1016512. <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1016512?section=official-list-entry" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1016512?section=official-list-entry">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> The named quay “Uncle Tom’s Quay” is the more eroded of the two but can still be discerned to the right of the picture surmounted by a herring gull.
Two post-medieval quays
These quays are believed to have been built to land coal for the St Agnes lighthouse. For more details see the details on their Historic England listing: List Entry Number:1016512. LinkExternal link The named quay “Uncle Tom’s Quay” is the more eroded of the two but can still be discerned to the right of the picture surmounted by a herring gull.
A fork in the path Compare with <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/821812">SV8908 : A Fork in the Path</a> taken by me one day short of fifteen years ago.
A fork in the path
Compare with SV8908 : A Fork in the Path taken by me one day short of fifteen years ago.
The Bar from Gugh A picture postcard scene, but a must to take on a walk around Hoe point today
The Bar from Gugh
A picture postcard scene, but a must to take on a walk around Hoe point today
Sunrise over Gugh
Sunrise over Gugh
Sunrise over Penninis Glad I decided to walk this way this morning.
Sunrise over Penninis
Glad I decided to walk this way this morning.
Crooked Rock One of the named granite outcrops on Wingletang.
Crooked Rock
One of the named granite outcrops on Wingletang.
Refloating Elvera This small launch is probably about 90 years old now. It's spent the winter in a nearby field undergoing "months of work" according to its owner (on the right of the picture standing on the slipway.) I expressed surprise that they had towed it down at such a low tide "You are going to let the tide float her?" "Yes, she's full of leaks".
Refloating Elvera
This small launch is probably about 90 years old now. It's spent the winter in a nearby field undergoing "months of work" according to its owner (on the right of the picture standing on the slipway.) I expressed surprise that they had towed it down at such a low tide "You are going to let the tide float her?" "Yes, she's full of leaks".
The St Agnes Lighthouse and attached house From Old lane. The lighthouse is both a Grade II* listed building List Entry Number:1328835 <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1328835" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1328835">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> and a Scheduled Monument List Entry Number:1014999 <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1014999?section=official-list-entry" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1014999?section=official-list-entry">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> The house is Grade II List Entry Number:1218288 <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1218288" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1218288">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>
The St Agnes Lighthouse and attached house
From Old lane. The lighthouse is both a Grade II* listed building List Entry Number:1328835 LinkExternal link and a Scheduled Monument List Entry Number:1014999 LinkExternal link The house is Grade II List Entry Number:1218288 LinkExternal link
Aboard The Sapphire It was great to have this fine Association (<span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.scillyboating.co.uk" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.scillyboating.co.uk">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> ) open boat to ourselves. It had just dropped off a full load of day-trippers from St Mary's on the St Agnes quay. We "hitched" a ride back to St Mary's as the Spirit of St Agnes was out of service due to engine trouble.
Aboard The Sapphire
It was great to have this fine Association (LinkExternal link ) open boat to ourselves. It had just dropped off a full load of day-trippers from St Mary's on the St Agnes quay. We "hitched" a ride back to St Mary's as the Spirit of St Agnes was out of service due to engine trouble.
Refloating Elvera Taken a few minutes before <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7486422">SV8708 : Refloating Elvera</a>. This shows a family group bringing an heirloom back into use. 60 years ago this little launch would take my family (weather permitting) to Catholic Mass on St Mary's when holidaying on St Agnes . It would be sailed by the father of the man on driving the tractor and grandfather of the two men at the stern of the boat.
Refloating Elvera
Taken a few minutes before SV8708 : Refloating Elvera. This shows a family group bringing an heirloom back into use. 60 years ago this little launch would take my family (weather permitting) to Catholic Mass on St Mary's when holidaying on St Agnes . It would be sailed by the father of the man on driving the tractor and grandfather of the two men at the stern of the boat.
Refloating Elvera Taken a minute or two after <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7491445">SV8708 : Refloating Elvera</a>. See that for a bit of history.
Refloating Elvera
Taken a minute or two after SV8708 : Refloating Elvera. See that for a bit of history.
Dropnose just before sunrise
Dropnose just before sunrise
Old Lane A small group of isolated cottages between the lighthouse and Periglis do not merit even a Scillonian recognition as a "Town".
Old Lane
A small group of isolated cottages between the lighthouse and Periglis do not merit even a Scillonian recognition as a "Town".
Tresco will be busy today Three cruise ships in The Road today. No doubt the most popular shore trip will be to Tesco's famous sub-tropical gardens. As long as they keep away from St Agnes, that will be fine. The boat heading into Perconger is the St Agnes boating's sea taxi craft "Enterprise".
Tresco will be busy today
Three cruise ships in The Road today. No doubt the most popular shore trip will be to Tesco's famous sub-tropical gardens. As long as they keep away from St Agnes, that will be fine. The boat heading into Perconger is the St Agnes boating's sea taxi craft "Enterprise".
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Western Rock is located at Grid Ref: SV8707 (Lat: 49.885115, Lng: -6.3513194)

Division: Isles of Scilly

Unitary Authority: Isles of Scilly

Police Authority: Devon and Cornwall

What 3 Words

///crossing.scatters.support. Near St Agnes, Isles of Scilly

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 49.885115,-6.3513194
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 49.887766/-6.3494232
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 49.8874732/-6.3460046
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Troytown Maze
Historic: archaeological_site
Lat/Long: 49.8891714/-6.3523668
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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