Shag Rock

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Cornwall

England

Shag Rock

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

Shag Rock is a prominent coastal feature located in Cornwall, England. Positioned near the popular town of Newquay, it is a distinctive headland that extends out into the Atlantic Ocean. This rocky outcrop has become an iconic landmark in the region, known for its picturesque views and unique geological formations.

The name "Shag Rock" originates from the large population of shags, a species of seabirds, that inhabit the area. These birds can often be seen perched on the jagged cliffs, adding to the natural beauty of the site. The rock formation itself is composed of hard granite, which has been shaped by millions of years of erosion from the relentless pounding of the waves.

Standing at approximately 15 meters in height, Shag Rock offers breathtaking panoramic vistas of the surrounding coastline. From its vantage point, visitors can observe the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean, as well as the rugged cliffs and sandy beaches that line the shore. The headland is also a popular spot for birdwatching and photography enthusiasts, who come to capture the stunning scenery and diverse wildlife.

In addition to its natural appeal, Shag Rock holds historical significance. It is said to have been a lookout point during World War II, ensuring the safety of the coastal region from potential enemy attacks. Today, visitors can still find remnants of the old observation posts, serving as a reminder of the area's past.

Overall, Shag Rock is a captivating coastal feature that combines natural beauty, wildlife, and historical interest. Its striking presence and panoramic views make it a must-visit destination for tourists and locals alike.

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Shag Rock Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 49.893893/-6.380303 or Grid Reference SV8508. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Daymark on Burnt Island From St Agnes
Daymark on Burnt Island
From St Agnes
Burnt Island From St Agnes Church.
Burnt Island
From St Agnes Church.
Middle Penny and Inner Penny Ledge From Troytown Farm.
Middle Penny and Inner Penny Ledge
From Troytown Farm.
The south end of Annet From St Agnes.
The south end of Annet
From St Agnes.
Carnew Rock From Carnew Point.
Carnew Rock
From Carnew Point.
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.
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.
Islands south of Annet - Scilly Lots of sharp, low lying points of granite. One group is aptly called Hellweathers.
Islands south of Annet - Scilly
Lots of sharp, low lying points of granite. One group is aptly called Hellweathers.
North St Agnes - Scilly Seabirds on Little Smith in front of the daymark on Tinswalbert, with Burnt Island and St Agnes in the background.
North St Agnes - Scilly
Seabirds on Little Smith in front of the daymark on Tinswalbert, with Burnt Island and St Agnes in the background.
Looking towards Periglis from Troy Town Heaven on Earth.
Looking towards Periglis from Troy Town
Heaven on Earth.
Looking NNE across the narrowest part of Annet, Isles of Scilly
Looking NNE across the narrowest part of Annet, Isles of Scilly
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).
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Haycocks, Annet - Scilly These jags of granite look ideal for trapping and dispatching ships in bad weather.
Haycocks, Annet - Scilly
These jags of granite look ideal for trapping and dispatching ships in bad weather.
St. Agnes: Bishop Rock and other rocks The Bishop Rock lighthouse is visible beyond an interesting rock formation on the shore of St. Agnes.
St. Agnes: Bishop Rock and other rocks
The Bishop Rock lighthouse is visible beyond an interesting rock formation on the shore of St. Agnes.
Boy on rocks My son Ben, "dancing with the waves" near Troy Town campsite
Boy on rocks
My son Ben, "dancing with the waves" near Troy Town campsite
Scillonian Granite The following winter this rock was subject to the attentions of Trinity House and this <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/591035">SV8708 : Navigational Marker on Burnt Island</a> was built on top of it.
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.
Show me another place!

Shag Rock is located at Grid Ref: SV8508 (Lat: 49.893893, Lng: -6.380303)

Division: Isles of Scilly

Unitary Authority: Isles of Scilly

Police Authority: Devon and Cornwall

What 3 Words

///flushed.winded.intestine. Near St Agnes, Isles of Scilly

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 49.893893,-6.380303
North West Porth
Natural: bay
Lat/Long: 49.8972168/-6.3760181
Carn Irish
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 49.8961801/-6.3773055
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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