Big Carn

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Cornwall

England

Big Carn

Field with prehistoric cairn and field system To the east of Barnaby Lane, which runs just over the wall on the right.

Scheduled Monument List Entry Number:1015002  <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1015002?section=official-list-entry" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1015002?section=official-list-entry">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Field with prehistoric cairn and field system Credit: David Lally

Big Carn is a prominent headland located in Cornwall, England. Situated along the rugged coastline, it is known for its stunning natural beauty and dramatic cliffs. The headland extends out into the Atlantic Ocean, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding sea and coastline.

Big Carn is characterized by its towering cliffs, which reach impressive heights and are composed of rugged rock formations. These cliffs are a result of millions of years of geological processes, including erosion and tectonic activity. The headland is made up of a variety of rocks, including slate and granite, which contribute to its unique appearance.

The area surrounding Big Carn is rich in biodiversity, providing a habitat for a wide range of plant and animal species. The headland is often covered in lush vegetation, including grasses, heather, and wildflowers, which thrive in the coastal climate. Seabirds such as gulls and cormorants can often be seen nesting on the cliffs, taking advantage of the headland's prime location for hunting and breeding.

Big Carn is also a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The headland offers numerous walking trails that allow visitors to explore its stunning cliffs and coastal scenery. Additionally, its elevated position provides a perfect vantage point for whale and dolphin watching, as these marine creatures frequently pass by the headland during their migrations.

Overall, Big Carn is a captivating coastal feature in Cornwall, showcasing the beauty and power of nature. Its towering cliffs, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking views make it an ideal destination for those seeking to experience the rugged charm of the Cornish coastline.

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Big Carn Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 49.895198/-6.3547908 or Grid Reference SV8708. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Field with prehistoric cairn and field system To the east of Barnaby Lane, which runs just over the wall on the right.

Scheduled Monument List Entry Number:1015002  <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1015002?section=official-list-entry" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1015002?section=official-list-entry">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Field with prehistoric cairn and field system
To the east of Barnaby Lane, which runs just over the wall on the right. Scheduled Monument List Entry Number:1015002 LinkExternal link
Table laid-out for the St Agnes Coronation Street Party The “street” in this case is Old Lane.  No traffic order is required to close the road here! The Island Hall on the left had tables groaning under the weight of many cakes and other treats.
Table laid-out for the St Agnes Coronation Street Party
The “street” in this case is Old Lane. No traffic order is required to close the road here! The Island Hall on the left had tables groaning under the weight of many cakes and other treats.
Remains of a 19th century gig-shed On the north east edge of Per Askin. 

Of all the islands St Agnes as it is the most south westerly was in the best-placed to spot incoming vessels and launch a pilot-gig . Per Askin at the south west of the island would further increase the chance of getting a pilot aboard first. St Agnes pilots (typically named Hicks)  would then guide the ships as far as Bristol or the south coast ports. A major source of income for the Island throughout the 19th century.

A Scheduled Monument List Entry Number:1009280 <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1009280?section=official-list-entry" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1009280?section=official-list-entry">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Remains of a 19th century gig-shed
On the north east edge of Per Askin. Of all the islands St Agnes as it is the most south westerly was in the best-placed to spot incoming vessels and launch a pilot-gig . Per Askin at the south west of the island would further increase the chance of getting a pilot aboard first. St Agnes pilots (typically named Hicks) would then guide the ships as far as Bristol or the south coast ports. A major source of income for the Island throughout the 19th century. A Scheduled Monument List Entry Number:1009280 LinkExternal link
A stile to Browarth A tad more conventional than 15 years ago <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/827432">SV8708 : Crate Based Stile</a>.
A stile to Browarth
A tad more conventional than 15 years ago SV8708 : Crate Based Stile.
Two post-medieval quays These quays are believed to have been built to land coal for the St Agnes lighthouse.

For more details see the details on their Historic England listing:
List Entry Number:1016512. <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1016512?section=official-list-entry" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1016512?section=official-list-entry">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>

The named quay “Uncle Tom’s Quay” is the more eroded of the two but can still be discerned to the right of the picture surmounted by a herring gull.
Two post-medieval quays
These quays are believed to have been built to land coal for the St Agnes lighthouse. For more details see the details on their Historic England listing: List Entry Number:1016512. LinkExternal link The named quay “Uncle Tom’s Quay” is the more eroded of the two but can still be discerned to the right of the picture surmounted by a herring gull.
A fork in the path Compare with <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/821812">SV8908 : A Fork in the Path</a> taken by me one day short of fifteen years ago.
A fork in the path
Compare with SV8908 : A Fork in the Path taken by me one day short of fifteen years ago.
The Bar from Gugh A picture postcard scene, but a must to take on a walk around Hoe point today
The Bar from Gugh
A picture postcard scene, but a must to take on a walk around Hoe point today
Sunrise over Gugh
Sunrise over Gugh
Sunrise over Penninis Glad I decided to walk this way this morning.
Sunrise over Penninis
Glad I decided to walk this way this morning.
Crooked Rock One of the named granite outcrops on Wingletang.
Crooked Rock
One of the named granite outcrops on Wingletang.
Refloating Elvera This small launch is probably about 90 years old now.

It's spent the winter in a nearby field undergoing "months of work" according to its owner (on the right of the picture standing on the slipway.)

I expressed surprise that they had towed it down at such a low tide "You are going to let the tide float her?" "Yes, she's full of leaks".
Refloating Elvera
This small launch is probably about 90 years old now. It's spent the winter in a nearby field undergoing "months of work" according to its owner (on the right of the picture standing on the slipway.) I expressed surprise that they had towed it down at such a low tide "You are going to let the tide float her?" "Yes, she's full of leaks".
The St Agnes Lighthouse and attached house From Old lane.

The lighthouse is both a Grade II* listed building List Entry Number:1328835 <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1328835" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1328835">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>

and a Scheduled Monument List Entry Number:1014999 <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1014999?section=official-list-entry" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1014999?section=official-list-entry">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>

The house is Grade II List Entry Number:1218288 <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1218288" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1218288">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
The St Agnes Lighthouse and attached house
From Old lane. The lighthouse is both a Grade II* listed building List Entry Number:1328835 LinkExternal link and a Scheduled Monument List Entry Number:1014999 LinkExternal link The house is Grade II List Entry Number:1218288 LinkExternal link
Aboard The Sapphire It was great to have this fine Association (<span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.scillyboating.co.uk" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.scillyboating.co.uk">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> ) open boat to ourselves.  It had just dropped off a full load of day-trippers from St Mary's on the St Agnes quay.  We "hitched" a ride back to St Mary's as the Spirit of St Agnes was out of service due to engine trouble.
Aboard The Sapphire
It was great to have this fine Association (LinkExternal link ) open boat to ourselves. It had just dropped off a full load of day-trippers from St Mary's on the St Agnes quay. We "hitched" a ride back to St Mary's as the Spirit of St Agnes was out of service due to engine trouble.
Refloating Elvera Taken a few minutes before <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7486422">SV8708 : Refloating Elvera</a>. This shows a family group bringing an heirloom back into use.

60 years ago this little launch would take my family (weather permitting) to Catholic Mass on St Mary's when holidaying on St Agnes . It would be sailed by the father of the man on driving the tractor and grandfather of the two men at the stern of the boat.
Refloating Elvera
Taken a few minutes before SV8708 : Refloating Elvera. This shows a family group bringing an heirloom back into use. 60 years ago this little launch would take my family (weather permitting) to Catholic Mass on St Mary's when holidaying on St Agnes . It would be sailed by the father of the man on driving the tractor and grandfather of the two men at the stern of the boat.
Refloating Elvera Taken a minute or two after <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7491445">SV8708 : Refloating Elvera</a>. See that for a bit of history.
Refloating Elvera
Taken a minute or two after SV8708 : Refloating Elvera. See that for a bit of history.
Dropnose just before sunrise
Dropnose just before sunrise
Old Lane A small group of isolated cottages between the lighthouse and Periglis do not merit even a Scillonian recognition as a "Town".
Old Lane
A small group of isolated cottages between the lighthouse and Periglis do not merit even a Scillonian recognition as a "Town".
Tresco will be busy today Three cruise ships in The Road today.  No doubt the most popular shore trip will be to Tesco's famous sub-tropical gardens.  As long as they keep away from St Agnes, that will be fine.

The boat heading into Perconger is the St Agnes boating's sea taxi craft "Enterprise".
Tresco will be busy today
Three cruise ships in The Road today. No doubt the most popular shore trip will be to Tesco's famous sub-tropical gardens. As long as they keep away from St Agnes, that will be fine. The boat heading into Perconger is the St Agnes boating's sea taxi craft "Enterprise".
Show me another place!

Big Carn is located at Grid Ref: SV8708 (Lat: 49.895198, Lng: -6.3547908)

Division: Isles of Scilly

Unitary Authority: Isles of Scilly

Police Authority: Devon and Cornwall

What 3 Words

///bagpipes.revives.trappings. Near St Agnes, Isles of Scilly

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 49.895198,-6.3547908
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 49.895307/-6.3501522
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 49.8952854/-6.3501021
Natural: spring
Lat/Long: 49.8951612/-6.3496881
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 49.8931161/-6.3512786
Lower Town
Name Kw: Trewoles
Place: hamlet
Lat/Long: 49.8936983/-6.3483912
Generator Method: photovoltaic
Generator Output Electricity: yes
Generator Source: solar
Generator Type: solar_photovoltaic_panel
Location: roof
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 49.8913997/-6.3515487
Bergecooth
Natural: bay
Lat/Long: 49.8926837/-6.3519142
Blanket Bay
Natural: bay
Source: OS Open Names
Lat/Long: 49.8944165/-6.3503431
Barrier: cattle_grid
Foot: yes
Motor Vehicle: no
Wheelchair: no
Lat/Long: 49.8932929/-6.3493042
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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