The Bow

Island in Cornwall

England

The Bow

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

The Bow is a small island located off the coast of Cornwall, England. Situated in the Celtic Sea, it is part of the Isles of Scilly archipelago. This picturesque island spans approximately 1.5 hectares and is known for its stunning natural beauty.

The Bow is characterized by its rugged coastline, featuring towering cliffs that have been shaped by the powerful forces of the sea. The island is home to a variety of plant and animal species, including seabirds such as puffins and razorbills, which nest on the cliffs during the breeding season. The surrounding waters are also abundant with marine life, making it a popular spot for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts.

Access to The Bow is limited, as it can only be reached by boat. However, this adds to its charm and sense of seclusion. Visitors can take a short boat trip from the neighboring island of St. Agnes to reach The Bow, where they can explore the island's rugged terrain and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding sea.

The Bow is uninhabited, with no permanent residents or facilities on the island. This makes it an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility and a connection with nature. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own supplies, as there are no shops or amenities available on the island.

Overall, The Bow offers a unique and unspoiled experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Its untouched beauty and remote location make it a hidden gem within the Isles of Scilly.

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The Bow Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 49.897504/-6.3278487 or Grid Reference SV8908. 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".
Show me another place!

The Bow is located at Grid Ref: SV8908 (Lat: 49.897504, Lng: -6.3278487)

Division: Isles of Scilly

Unitary Authority: Isles of Scilly

Police Authority: Devon and Cornwall

What 3 Words

///mystery.teardrop.patching. Near St Agnes, Isles of Scilly

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 49.897504,-6.3278487
Kittern Hill
Ele: 30
Natural: peak
Wikidata: Q25388181
Wikipedia: de:Kittern Hill
Lat/Long: 49.8965771/-6.3344706
Carn Kimbra
Natural: peak
Lat/Long: 49.8946584/-6.3284048
Dropnose Porth
Natural: bay
Source: OS Open Names
Lat/Long: 49.8937403/-6.3280512
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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