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Shag Rock

Island in Cornwall

England

Shag Rock

Footpath to Lowland Point The path was re-routed a few years ago to accommodate expansion of the Dean Gabbro Quarry to the north. Virtually all the land within this square and indeed the hectad SW81 can be seen in this shot.
Footpath to Lowland Point Credit: Jonathan Billinger

Shag Rock is a small, uninhabited island situated off the coast of Cornwall, England. Its name originates from the large population of shags, a type of seabird, that inhabit the surrounding waters. The island is located approximately 600 meters from the mainland, near the town of Port Isaac.

Covering an area of around 0.5 hectares, Shag Rock is composed of rugged cliffs and exposed rocks, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. The island is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its importance as a breeding ground for various seabird species, including the shag, razorbills, and guillemots.

Access to the island is limited due to its remote location and treacherous waters. However, during low tide, it is possible to reach Shag Rock by foot, although caution is advised due to the slippery rocks and changing tides. It is important to note that visitors should be mindful of the fluctuating tide times to avoid becoming stranded on the island.

The surrounding waters of Shag Rock are also popular among divers and snorkelers, as they offer an opportunity to explore the diverse marine life and underwater rock formations. The clear waters provide excellent visibility, allowing for a unique diving experience.

Overall, Shag Rock is a picturesque island in Cornwall, attracting wildlife enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Its untouched natural beauty and abundant birdlife make it a must-visit destination for those interested in exploring the coastal wonders of Cornwall.

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Shag Rock Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.045944/-5.065737 or Grid Reference SW8020. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Footpath to Lowland Point The path was re-routed a few years ago to accommodate expansion of the Dean Gabbro Quarry to the north. Virtually all the land within this square and indeed the hectad SW81 can be seen in this shot.
Footpath to Lowland Point
The path was re-routed a few years ago to accommodate expansion of the Dean Gabbro Quarry to the north. Virtually all the land within this square and indeed the hectad SW81 can be seen in this shot.
Flowers and boulders at Lowland Point On a glorious spring day.
Flowers and boulders at Lowland Point
On a glorious spring day.
Great Wrea Rocks off Lowland Point.
Great Wrea
Rocks off Lowland Point.
Lowland Point A descriptive name for a very low coastal area, unusual for Cornwall. Viewed from the steeply descending path along the western boundary of the old Dean Quarry.
Lowland Point
A descriptive name for a very low coastal area, unusual for Cornwall. Viewed from the steeply descending path along the western boundary of the old Dean Quarry.
Little Wrea Current population three (cormorants).
Little Wrea
Current population three (cormorants).
Lowland Point The isolated rock some way out is Little Wrea. Great Wrea is hidden round the corner of the point and is much closer in, no longer an island at low tide.
Lowland Point
The isolated rock some way out is Little Wrea. Great Wrea is hidden round the corner of the point and is much closer in, no longer an island at low tide.
Stairway to Heaven A stile at the receding cliff near Lowland Point.
Stairway to Heaven
A stile at the receding cliff near Lowland Point.
On the new SW coast path from Porthkerris to Porthoustock The path is much wider now.
On the new SW coast path from Porthkerris to Porthoustock
The path is much wider now.
On the new SW coast path from Porthkerris to Porthoustock Many fences are being built along the path.
On the new SW coast path from Porthkerris to Porthoustock
Many fences are being built along the path.
Lowland Point Grazing on Lowland Point looking in the distance to Coverack
Lowland Point
Grazing on Lowland Point looking in the distance to Coverack
A very wet section of the SW Coast Path at Lowland Point, Cprnwall
A very wet section of the SW Coast Path at Lowland Point, Cprnwall
Stepping stones across some of the boggier part of the SW Coast Path at Lowland Point, Cornwall This section passes through National Trust land.
Stepping stones across some of the boggier part of the SW Coast Path at Lowland Point, Cornwall
This section passes through National Trust land.
Entering National Trust land at Lowland Point, Cornwall Part of the SW coast path.
Entering National Trust land at Lowland Point, Cornwall
Part of the SW coast path.
The SW coast path skirts the far end of this cultivated field Taken from an inland path linking the coast path with the nearest road near to St. Keverne.
The SW coast path skirts the far end of this cultivated field
Taken from an inland path linking the coast path with the nearest road near to St. Keverne.
Junction on the coastal path The diverted route via Treglohan reaches the bottom of the hill and the coastal path. The sign on the right warns users of the coastal path of the hazards of blasting in the quarries off to the left.
Junction on the coastal path
The diverted route via Treglohan reaches the bottom of the hill and the coastal path. The sign on the right warns users of the coastal path of the hazards of blasting in the quarries off to the left.
Stone stile and warning sign, coastal path The sign warns of the possibility of blasting in Dean Quarry ahead. The pole to the left is one of the warning flagpoles. At the time the quarry seemed disused. The large upright stone of the stile is presumably the 'Stone' marked on larger scale maps. It has a large 'W' crudely carved on it. There are no administrative boundaries around here, so a property boundary marker?
Stone stile and warning sign, coastal path
The sign warns of the possibility of blasting in Dean Quarry ahead. The pole to the left is one of the warning flagpoles. At the time the quarry seemed disused. The large upright stone of the stile is presumably the 'Stone' marked on larger scale maps. It has a large 'W' crudely carved on it. There are no administrative boundaries around here, so a property boundary marker?
Shore near Lowland Point The area is mapped as 'Polcries', there in no significant near feature other than the beach of large stones, so perhaps that is what it is called.
Shore near Lowland Point
The area is mapped as 'Polcries', there in no significant near feature other than the beach of large stones, so perhaps that is what it is called.
Shore near Lowland Point The area is mapped as 'Polcries', there in no significant near feature other than the beach of large stones, so perhaps that is what it is called.
Shore near Lowland Point
The area is mapped as 'Polcries', there in no significant near feature other than the beach of large stones, so perhaps that is what it is called.
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Shag Rock is located at Grid Ref: SW8020 (Lat: 50.045944, Lng: -5.065737)

Unitary Authority: Cornwall

Police Authority: Devon and Cornwall

What 3 Words

///motivations.blemishes.digress. Near Falmouth, Cornwall

Nearby Locations

Dean Point Shag Rock Godrevy Cove Maen Land

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 50.045944,-5.065737
Barrier: kissing_gate
Lat/Long: 50.048086/-5.0681741
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Godrevy Cove
Is In: Cornwall, England, UK
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 50.0473182/-5.0657394
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Barrier: kissing_gate
Lat/Long: 50.0480171/-5.0679275
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.
Sgeir Maol Mhoraidh Ross-shire
Lidden Cornwall

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