Flat Ledge

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Cornwall

England

Flat Ledge

Daymark on Burnt Island From St Agnes — Daymark on Burnt Island Credit: Andrew Abbott

Flat Ledge is a prominent coastal feature located in Cornwall, England. Situated on the southwestern tip of the country, it is specifically found in the region of the Cornish headland. This headland is known for its rugged cliffs, expansive sea views, and unique geological formations.

Flat Ledge itself is a distinct point that juts out into the Atlantic Ocean, offering stunning vistas of the surrounding coastline. As its name suggests, the ledge is characterized by a relatively even and level surface, making it easily accessible to visitors. Its flatness also allows for comfortable walking and exploration, attracting both locals and tourists who enjoy the breathtaking scenery.

The ledge is formed by the natural erosion of the surrounding cliffs over thousands of years. This process has created a platform that extends out from the land, providing a perfect vantage point for observing the crashing waves, sea birds, and occasional marine life. Furthermore, the geological makeup of the area includes a mix of sedimentary rocks, such as sandstone and shale, which add to its visual appeal.

Flat Ledge is not only an outstanding natural feature but also a significant historical site. It has been a point of interest for centuries, with evidence of human activity dating back to prehistoric times. The area has witnessed various archaeological finds, including ancient tools and artifacts, which provide insights into the lives of early inhabitants.

Overall, Flat Ledge in Cornwall is a captivating coastal feature that offers a combination of natural beauty, geological interest, and historical significance. Its accessibility and stunning views make it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and those seeking a tranquil retreat on the Cornish coast.

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Flat Ledge Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 49.898797/-6.3812494 or Grid Reference SV8509. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Daymark on Burnt Island

From St Agnes

Andrew Abbott

Middle Penny and Inner Penny Ledge

From Troytown Farm.

Andrew Abbott

The south end of Annet

From St Agnes.

Andrew Abbott

Flowers on Burnt Island

The small area of Burnt Island that is above the tide line is covered in flowers. Sea thrift, I think. From a print, date not exact.

Des Blenkinsopp

Islands south of Annet - Scilly

Lots of sharp, low lying points of granite. One group is aptly called Hellweathers.

Richard Knights

North St Agnes - Scilly

Seabirds on Little Smith in front of the daymark on Tinswalbert, with Burnt Island and St Agnes in the background.

Richard Knights

Looking NNE across the narrowest part of Annet, Isles of Scilly

Rowan Legg

Irishman's Carn, North West Par of Annet, Isles of Scilly

Looking SW across the North West Par (or Porth) of Annet, Bishop Rock lighthouse is just visible on the horizon (photo by Nat Legg).

Rowan Legg

Annet Head, Annet, Isles of Scilly

Looking North to Annet Head, Old Wreck navigation buoy is visible in the distance. Please give photo credit to Nat Legg.

Rowan Legg

Old Woman's House, Isles of Scilly

Looking WSW across Smith Sound to Old Woman's House and Annet Neck (the gap between the rocks), Bishop Rock lighthouse is just visible behind the rocks to the left of the picture.

Rowan Legg

Sunset on the Smiths

The rock in the right of this picture is little Smith, you can also see the brow around it and the Bristolman and half-tide ledges behind and to the right, these are the only features in this grid square.

Harry Legg

Haycocks, Annet - Scilly

These jags of granite look ideal for trapping and dispatching ships in bad weather.

Richard Knights

Scillonian Granite

The following winter this rock was subject to the attentions of Trinity House and this SV8708 : Navigational Marker on Burnt Island was built on top of it.

David Lally

Navigational Marker on Burnt Island

This marker was built by Trinity House in the spring of 2002 to mark the North-West passage following an incident a few years before when a German cruise liner ran aground entering the Islands. Lining up the marker with the St Agnes lighthouse guides ships safely into the archipelago. The construction is considered by many to be an unnecessary eyesore.

David Lally

Weed covered rock - Burnt Island

This bright green weed appears in a few patches around St Agnes & Gugh it always seems to be on particular, rounded, rocks.

David Lally

Sunset over Annet

The Isles of Scilly consist far more of sky and sea than land; here the sun sets over Annet which even from just three quarters of a mile away on Troy Town campsite, St Agnes, is just a thin line. The Islands are the tips of the most westerly of a series of granite domes which form the most of high ground of the South West peninsula of England. From the west these are Scilly, The Penwith peninsula (Land's End), Bodmin Moor and Dartmoor. High Willhays on Dartmoor reaches 621m above sea level SX5889 : High Willhays, but time and the Atlantic Ocean have taken their toll on Scilly and the best that can be managed is around 50m at what used to be called “coastguards” on St Mary's SV9112 : Corsican Tower, Telegraph. Probably due to its exposed position at the south west of the archipelago Annet is the largest of the islands to have never been inhabited and has been designated as a bird sanctuary for many years, it is an important breeding site for the Puffin and Manx Shearwater. On a 1:50,000 scale map Annet has just one 10 metre contour. The 1:25,000 scale shows that it does pass 15 metres, still “just a wave above the sea”.

David Lally