Little Ledge of Mackerel Rocks

Island in Cornwall

England

Little Ledge of Mackerel Rocks

Little Ledge of Mackerel Rocks is a small island located off the coast of Cornwall, England. Situated in the Atlantic Ocean, it is known for its rugged landscape and rich biodiversity. The island is approximately 1 acre in size and is accessible by boat or during low tide when a natural causeway emerges.

The rocky coastline of Little Ledge of Mackerel Rocks is characterized by towering cliffs and hidden coves, making it a popular destination for rock climbers and nature enthusiasts. The island offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding ocean and is a haven for birdwatchers, as it attracts a variety of seabirds such as gannets, puffins, and cormorants.

The island's vegetation mainly consists of hardy grasses, mosses, and lichens, which cling to the rocky terrain. It is also home to a diverse range of marine life, including seals, dolphins, and a variety of fish species, hence its name "Mackerel Rocks." During low tide, visitors can explore the fascinating rock pools teeming with colorful sea anemones, crabs, and small fish.

Little Ledge of Mackerel Rocks has a rich history, with archaeological evidence suggesting human occupation dating back to the Neolithic period. The island was used as a lookout point during World War II due to its strategic location, and remnants of old military structures can still be seen today.

While the island is not inhabited, it is a popular spot for day trips and picnics. Visitors are advised to check the tide times to ensure safe access and to be mindful of the fragile ecosystem. Little Ledge of Mackerel Rocks offers a unique and captivating experience for those seeking to immerse themselves in the stunning natural beauty of Cornwall's coastline.

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Little Ledge of Mackerel Rocks Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 49.970357/-6.2851851 or Grid Reference SV9216. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Trig pillar

Alex McGregor

A track on eastern St Martinâs

The track runs uphill from the eastern end of Higher Town Bay to the Chapel Down and the Daymark.

David Lally

Lower Town Quay

The smaller of the two quays on St Martin’s. The larger quay at Higher Town is the one used for freight deliveries, but is inaccessible at a low tide. The island behind is the uninhabited Tean (pronounced tea-an).

David Lally

The Daymark

From within the ruins of the Admiralty signal station of 1805. The signal station is included in the Scheduled Monument comprising the whole of Chapel down and is described thus: In 1804, an Admiralty signal station was built on northern Chapel Down to communicate with naval vessels by signal mast and to report on enemy shipping movements. It was decommissioned in 1815, superseded by semaphore operated from St Mary's. Its main building stands to 2.3m high in the north of a subrectangular enclosure 38m long, NNW-SSE, by up to 21m wide. List Entry Number:1016508 Link

The Daymark is separately listed Grade II* List Entry Number:1141204 Link

David Lally

Great Bay panorama

On of the most beautiful spots on the islands.

David Lally

St Martin's Daymark

Erected in 1683, St Martin’s Daymark is the earliest surviving beacon in the British Isles. The 40 feet high stone beacon was built by Thomas Ekins, near the northeast corner of the island island of St Martin’s. Originally white, the beacon was later painted red and now boasts red and white bands. Its daymark is visible from miles away, situated as it is on one of the Isles of Scilly's highest points. It is a Grade II* listed building (List Entry Number:1141204 Link

Historic England).

David Dixon

St Martin's Head

The large red-and-white Daymark stands on St Martin’s Head, at the northeast corner of the island of St Martin. It was erected in 1683 by Thomas Ekins, and is a Grade II* listed building (List Entry Number:1141204 Link

Historic England). The Daymark is a circular tower made of rendered granite, measuring 4.8 metres (16 ft) in diameter and 6.4 metres (21 ft) in height. It has a conical termination, which makes it a total of 11 metres (36 ft) high. Originally, it was painted white until 1822 but by 1833 had been painted red, and is now painted in alternating bands of red and white. The daymark is built on the highest point of St Martin's (the second-highest point in the Isles of Scilly); the position and relative height mean that the Cornish mainland is visible (when the weather allows) and the daymark is identifiable from the mainland too.

David Dixon