Barras Gug

Bay in Cornwall

England

Barras Gug

Saddle Rocks Skerries below Trevalga Cliff. — Saddle Rocks Credit: Des Blenkinsopp

Barras Gug is a picturesque bay located in Cornwall, England. Situated on the southern coast of the county, it offers visitors a stunning natural beauty and a tranquil atmosphere. The bay is tucked away between towering cliffs, creating a secluded and intimate setting.

The beach at Barras Gug is known for its soft golden sand, which stretches for approximately half a mile. The crystal-clear waters are perfect for swimming and paddling, making it an ideal destination for families and water enthusiasts. The bay is also popular with surfers due to its consistent waves and challenging breaks.

Surrounding the beach are rugged cliffs and rocky outcrops, creating a dramatic backdrop. These cliffs are home to various species of seabirds, providing visitors with a unique opportunity for birdwatching. The bay is also rich in marine life, with occasional sightings of seals and dolphins.

Barras Gug is relatively secluded and lacks commercial development, making it a peaceful and unspoiled destination. There are limited facilities available, including a small car park and public toilets. The bay is accessible via a narrow road, which adds to its sense of seclusion.

Visitors to Barras Gug can enjoy leisurely walks along the beach, explore the surrounding cliffs, or simply relax and soak up the beautiful surroundings. With its natural beauty and tranquil ambiance, Barras Gug is a hidden gem on Cornwall's coastline.

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Barras Gug Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.671061/-4.7531656 or Grid Reference SX0589. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Saddle Rocks

Skerries below Trevalga Cliff.

Des Blenkinsopp

Tintagel Castle

The spectacular position of the castle, one of the most iconic locations in Cornwall, can be gauged in this view from Tintagel Island. The site is believed to have been a residence of the early rulers of Cornwall and it was named by Geoffrey of Monmouth in the 12th century as the place where King Arthur was conceived. The castle was built in the 13th century by Richard, Earl of Cornwall, possibly inspired by the Arthurian legend.

Stephen McKay

Tintagel - Castle - View through rock 'window'

Whether this aperture in the eastern wall of the ruins of Tintagel Castle was a window or an arrow-loop I don't know, but it allows a view through to the cliffs on the other side.

Rob Farrow

Tintagel - Castle - New bridge

This new bridge across to the castle at Tintagel was installed in 2019 and makes accessing the ancient ruin far less tricky than it used to be (which involved lengthy perilous rocky steps). See Link

for more information.

Rob Farrow

Tintagel - Castle - King Arthur statue

I presume that this statue atop the west coastal cliffs of Tintagel Island is of King Arthur, though I suppose it may be Uther Pendragon.

Rob Farrow

Trewethern Mill, Rocky Valley

Looking up the woodland section of Rocky Valley with the ruins of Trewethern Mill on the left. Behind this mill are some ancient Celtic rock carvings.

Rob Farrow

Tintagel Haven

View of Tintagel Haven towards the eastern edge of Tintagel Island (left) with the very western edge of Barras Nose (right).

Ajay Tegala

Tintagel Haven beach

Tintagel Haven beach, home to Merlin's Cave, is a small sand and pebble beach at the base of Tintagel Castle

Lauren

Tintagel Haven beach

Tintagel Haven beach, home to Merlin's Cave, is a small sand and pebble beach at the base of Tintagel Castle

Lauren

Medieval buildings at Tintagel Castle

Link

Sandy Gerrard

Tintagel Castle in 1979

Link

Sandy Gerrard

Tintagel Castle in 1979

Link

Sandy Gerrard

Parking area for walking to St Nectan's Glen

Rob Purvis

Rocky Valley Ancient Rock Carvings

The two maze-like rock carvings seen here are to the rear of SX0789 : Trewethern Mill, Rocky Valley to the east of Tintagel. According to a rather worn metal plaque at the site they are "Labyrinth pattern carvings probably of the early Bronze Age 1800-1400BC" The only problem with that being that as the Bronze Age spanned c.3300BC to c.600BC, they would actually be mid to late Bronze Age if the dates are correct. Note however that the EH Ancient Monument listing Link

states "However, such labyrinths are not exclusively prehistoric, and they became popular in Christian symbolism during the medieval period and later were used in secular contexts." We will probably never know! For closer views of the two carvings see: SX0789 : Rocky Valley Ancient Rock Carving - Left SX0789 : Rocky Valley Ancient Rock Carving - Right

Rob Farrow

Rocky Valley Ancient Rock Carving - Left

The left-hand of the two ancient labyrinthine rock carvings seen together in SX0789 : Rocky Valley Ancient Rock Carvings See that image for more information, and for its companion see SX0789 : Rocky Valley Ancient Rock Carving - Right Note that at first sight these left and right-hand images may seem identical, this left-hand one differs (a) in that the base lobe on the right descends below that on the left and (b) the central spike is more 'squashed' (i.e. not as tall) than its companion.

Rob Farrow

Rocky Valley Ancient Rock Carving - Right

The right-hand of the two ancient labyrinthine rock carvings seen together in SX0789 : Rocky Valley Ancient Rock Carvings See that image for more information, and for its companion see SX0789 : Rocky Valley Ancient Rock Carving - Left See the notes on the 'Left' symbol for comments as to how they vary.

Rob Farrow

Bossiney Haven - Rock formation

Looking rather like an elephant with its trunk dipping into the sea, this rock formation is on the western side of Bossiney Haven as viewed from the coast path.

Rob Farrow