Shark's Fin

Island in Cornwall

England

Shark's Fin

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

Shark's Fin is a small island located off the coast of Cornwall, England. Situated in the Atlantic Ocean, this rocky outcrop is known for its distinctive shape, which resembles the dorsal fin of a shark. The island is approximately 500 meters in length and 200 meters in width, with rugged cliffs that rise up to 50 meters above sea level.

Access to Shark's Fin is only possible by boat, as there are no bridges or other means of reaching the island. This isolation has allowed the natural environment to thrive, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers. The surrounding waters are teeming with marine life, including seals, dolphins, and a variety of fish species.

The island itself is uninhabited and devoid of any infrastructure or facilities. It is primarily composed of granite and features several caves and crevices that have been formed by years of erosion. These caves are home to a diverse range of seabirds, such as puffins, razorbills, and guillemots, which nest on the cliffs during the breeding season.

Shark's Fin is also a popular spot for rock climbing and abseiling due to its challenging terrain. The cliffs provide an adrenaline-fueled experience for climbers of various skill levels. However, it is essential to exercise caution and adhere to safety guidelines due to the unpredictable weather conditions and potential dangers associated with the sport.

Overall, Shark's Fin offers a unique and breathtaking natural landscape, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking adventure and a glimpse into Cornwall's rugged beauty.

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Shark's Fin Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.052598/-5.0563252 or Grid Reference SW8121. 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.

Jonathan Billinger

Little Wrea

Current population three (cormorants).

Robin Webster

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.

Robin Webster

On the new SW coast path from Porthkerris to Porthoustock

The path is much wider now.

Hansjoerg Lipp

On the new SW coast path from Porthkerris to Porthoustock

Many fences are being built along the path.

Hansjoerg Lipp

Entering National Trust land at Lowland Point, Cornwall

Part of the SW coast path.

Derek Voller

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.

Robin Webster

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?

Robin Webster

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.

Robin Webster

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.

Robin Webster

Spring Squill, Lowland Point

An impressive spread of Scilla verna on the coastal grassland here.

Robin Webster

Path leading inland from the SW Coast Path

habiloid

SW Coast Path

The disused Jetty on the right was associated with quarrying at the nearby Dean Quarries,

habiloid

South West Coastal Path at Polcries

Looking north after rounding Lowland Point. The jetty infrastructure for the Dean Gabbro quarries can be seen in the next square north. The path to the left strikes uphill towards St Keverne.

Jonathan Billinger

Lowland Point

Looking south from the SW Coastal Path. National Trust-owned land.

Jonathan Billinger

Blasting warning

Alerting walkers on the SW Coastal Path north of Lowland Point of the dangers associated with the stone quarry ahead. Dean Quarry has been producing Gabbro primarily for road-building for over a century.

Jonathan Billinger