Tarbarrel Rock

Island in Cornwall

England

Tarbarrel Rock

Tresco, Carn Near The southern tip of the island of Tresco. — Tresco, Carn Near Credit: David Dixon

Tarbarrel Rock is a small island located off the coast of Cornwall, England. It is situated approximately 500 meters from the mainland, near the popular tourist destination of St. Ives. The island gets its name from the distinctive rock formation that resembles a tar barrel.

The island itself is quite small, measuring only about 100 meters in diameter. It is composed mainly of granite, which is a common geological feature in this part of Cornwall. The rugged coastline surrounding the island is characterized by towering cliffs and rocky outcrops, adding to its natural beauty.

Tarbarrel Rock is accessible by boat during low tide, but caution must be exercised due to its proximity to the mainland and the potential for strong currents. The island is popular among photographers and nature enthusiasts, who are attracted to its unique rock formations and the abundance of marine life in the surrounding waters.

Visitors to Tarbarrel Rock can enjoy breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding coastline. The island is also home to a variety of seabirds, such as gulls and cormorants, which nest on the cliffs. During low tide, tide pools are exposed, providing an opportunity for exploration and observation of marine organisms.

Overall, Tarbarrel Rock offers a picturesque and serene escape from the hustle and bustle of mainland Cornwall. Its natural beauty and diverse wildlife make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and those seeking a tranquil coastal experience.

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Tarbarrel Rock Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 49.928498/-6.3543673 or Grid Reference SV8712. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Tresco, Carn Near

The southern tip of the island of Tresco.

David Dixon

Sunset over Samson, Scilly

Seen from Star Castle, Hugh Town, St Mary's, Scilly

Martin Tester

Alighting on Samson

Firethorn dropping off visitors to Samson.

Andrew Abbott

Stonewall on Samson

At the uninhabited settlement on Samson

Andrew Abbott

Remnants on Samson

Remnants of housing and stone walls on Samson

Andrew Abbott

Abandoned dwelling

An abandoned dwelling on Samson

Andrew Abbott

Cairns on North Hill

Burial chambers on North Hill, Samson

Andrew Abbott

Downhill View, Samson

Looking from South Hill over one of the old cottages and on to the Norrard Rocks. From a print, date uncertain.

Des Blenkinsopp

Ruined Homestead, Samson

The last inhabitants left Samson in 1855 and the remains of their settlement are still standing. Wikipedia says "The island was inhabited until 1855, when the Lord Proprietor Augustus Smith removed the remaining population from the island. By this point, the population was found to be suffering from severe deprivation—particularly due to a diet of limpets and potatoes—and consisted of only two families: the Woodcocks and the Webbers." Link

From a print, date not exact.

Des Blenkinsopp

Ruined Building, Samson

Samson had a resident population until 1855 when the last two families left. Even by Victorian standards their lives had become so desperate that the authorities moved them off the island. The remains of houses and field walls are still obvious.

Des Blenkinsopp

Great Rag Ledge

Puffin Island beyond, with other rocks and reefs in the Tresco Flats.

Oliver Dixon

Carn Near

Hill at the southern tip of Tresco.

Oliver Dixon

Long Crow

Tidal rocks off the southern tip of Tresco. The island of Samson SV8712 on the horizon, almost split in two by a low isthmus.

Oliver Dixon

A prospect of islands

Seen from Carn Near at the southern tip of Tresco. To the left are Great Rag Ledge and Puffin Island SV 8813 with the northern tip of Samson SV8713 beyond. To the right is Works Point SV8714, the southern tip of Bryher. In the distance are the Northern Rocks, most prominent being Castle Bryher SV8613.

Oliver Dixon

A prospect of islands

Looking from Oliver's Battery at the southern end of Tresco south-westwards across the shallow waters at low tide. Puffin Island SV8813 can be seen in the middle distance, with the northern end of Samson beyond. To the right are the Northern Rocks, most prominent being Castle Bryher SV8613.

Oliver Dixon

Nut Rock in St Mary's Sound, Scilly

Nut Rock is a small rocky islet, one of many east of Samson and south of Tresco in St Mary's Sound. In the background is the south coast of Tresco.

John Rostron

Raft of Shags off Samson, St Mary's Sound

There are several thousand pairs of Shags breeding around the Isles of Scilly. Many will often congregate in these extensive rafts, presumably where the fishing is good.The island in the background is Samson, the largest of the uninhabited islands.

John Rostron