Carn Mahael

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Cornwall

England

Carn Mahael

Church Point
Church Point Credit: David Lally

Carn Mahael is a prominent coastal feature located in Cornwall, England. Known as a headland or point, it stretches out into the Atlantic Ocean, forming a stunning and rugged landscape. The name “Carn Mahael” is derived from the Cornish language, with "carn" meaning a rocky hill or tor, and "mahael" referring to a plain or field.

Situated along the picturesque coastal path, Carn Mahael offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Its towering cliffs, carved by centuries of erosion, create an impressive backdrop against the crashing waves below. The headland is composed of a mixture of sedimentary rocks, including slate and shale, which add to its distinctive and varied appearance.

At the top of Carn Mahael, visitors can find a well-maintained walking trail that meanders along the edge of the cliff, providing a panoramic vista of the coastline. This path is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts, who come to appreciate the area's natural beauty and abundant wildlife. Seabirds such as gulls, cormorants, and fulmars can often be spotted nesting on the cliffs, while dolphins and seals occasionally make appearances in the waters below.

In addition to its stunning views and diverse wildlife, Carn Mahael also holds historical significance. The headland is home to several ancient settlements, including remnants of Iron Age fortifications and burial grounds. These archaeological remains offer a glimpse into the area's past and provide valuable insights into the lives of its early inhabitants.

Overall, Carn Mahael is a captivating coastal feature that combines natural beauty, historical significance, and abundant wildlife. It is a must-visit destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in Cornwall's stunning natural landscapes.

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Carn Mahael Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 49.90749/-6.308123 or Grid Reference SV9009. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Church Point
Church Point
Pillbox entrance On Tolman Point.
Pillbox entrance
On Tolman Point.
Rock formations at Peninnis Head
Rock formations at Peninnis Head
Morning Point, the Garrison Looking SE to the offshore rocks Wras and (behind and smaller) Biggal; Inner Head <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/SV908093">SV908093</a> (part of Peninnis Head) is just visible to the far left, on the other side of Porth Cressa bay. Note the passing storm on the horizon...
Morning Point, the Garrison
Looking SE to the offshore rocks Wras and (behind and smaller) Biggal; Inner Head SV908093 (part of Peninnis Head) is just visible to the far left, on the other side of Porth Cressa bay. Note the passing storm on the horizon...
Peninnis Head Looking SSE to the lighthouse from approx. SV910097.
Peninnis Head
Looking SSE to the lighthouse from approx. SV910097.
Old Town Bay from Peninnis There is a former Battery on the island to the right of the pine tree.
Old Town Bay from Peninnis
There is a former Battery on the island to the right of the pine tree.
Tolman Point Viewed from the north on the very edge of the square; note the WW2 pillbox.
Tolman Point
Viewed from the north on the very edge of the square; note the WW2 pillbox.
Church Point The end of Church Point (just below the end of the main runway of St Mary's Airport) looking out to sea; this (and a rock off the end of Giant's Castle) is the only land in the square.
Church Point
The end of Church Point (just below the end of the main runway of St Mary's Airport) looking out to sea; this (and a rock off the end of Giant's Castle) is the only land in the square.
Lighthouse at Peninnis Head, St. Mary's The lighthouse guides shipping passing through St. Mary's Sound, between the islands of Agnes and St. Mary's.  The lattice-work construction reduces its wind resistance.
Lighthouse at Peninnis Head, St. Mary's
The lighthouse guides shipping passing through St. Mary's Sound, between the islands of Agnes and St. Mary's. The lattice-work construction reduces its wind resistance.
St. Mary’s: Peninnis Point Viewed from the ferry from Penzance shortly before arrival on the island.
St. Mary’s: Peninnis Point
Viewed from the ferry from Penzance shortly before arrival on the island.
St. Mary’s: plane over Church Point A plane approaches Scilly's airport, viewed from the ferry from Penzance.
St. Mary’s: plane over Church Point
A plane approaches Scilly's airport, viewed from the ferry from Penzance.
Photographing the Rock Labyrinth The area between the lighthouse and the Outer Head is appropriately known as the Rock Labyrinth. In younger (and slimmer) days we would explore this fantastic maze of huge granite rocks.
Photographing the Rock Labyrinth
The area between the lighthouse and the Outer Head is appropriately known as the Rock Labyrinth. In younger (and slimmer) days we would explore this fantastic maze of huge granite rocks.
Carn Leh, St. Mary's, Scilly Isles
Carn Leh, St. Mary's, Scilly Isles
Footpath on Peninnis Head, St. Mary's, Scilly Isles
Footpath on Peninnis Head, St. Mary's, Scilly Isles
Granite Stone Walls Granite is pretty much the only rock there is on the Scillies and there's plenty of it, so it makes sense to build your field walls out of it.
Granite Stone Walls
Granite is pretty much the only rock there is on the Scillies and there's plenty of it, so it makes sense to build your field walls out of it.
Fields on the eastern side of Peninnis The field at the bottom of the hill on the right is being used for bulb growing, the others look as though they have been left to grass.
Fields on the eastern side of Peninnis
The field at the bottom of the hill on the right is being used for bulb growing, the others look as though they have been left to grass.
Carn Leh Cove The headland of Carn Leh separates this small cove from the larger Old Town Bay.
Carn Leh Cove
The headland of Carn Leh separates this small cove from the larger Old Town Bay.
Peninnis Head Looking towards the Outer Head and the Lighthouse.
Peninnis Head
Looking towards the Outer Head and the Lighthouse.
Show me another place!

Carn Mahael is located at Grid Ref: SV9009 (Lat: 49.90749, Lng: -6.308123)

Division: Isles of Scilly

Unitary Authority: Isles of Scilly

Police Authority: Devon and Cornwall

What 3 Words

///aboard.mimics.crisps. Near St Mary's, Isles of Scilly

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 49.90749,-6.308123
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 49.9103367/-6.3037411
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 49.9101353/-6.3035948
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 49.9098446/-6.3032057
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 49.9095283/-6.3026488
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 49.9082393/-6.3026466
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 49.9089337/-6.302247
Barrier: stile
Lat/Long: 49.909471/-6.3095507
Barrier: stile
Lat/Long: 49.9087421/-6.3080648
Barrier: stile
Lat/Long: 49.9099098/-6.3102695
Barrier: stile
Lat/Long: 49.9077202/-6.3026952
Barrier: cattle_grid
Bicycle: yes
Foot: yes
Lat/Long: 49.9106431/-6.3037228
Peninnis Head
Place: locality
Wikidata: Q7162906
Wikipedia: en:Peninnis Head
Lat/Long: 49.9069564/-6.3039993
Historic: ruins
Man Made: windmill
Lat/Long: 49.9080784/-6.3051167
Historic: monument
Lat/Long: 49.9106495/-6.30457
Historic: monument
Lat/Long: 49.9105286/-6.3047363
Harold Wilson
Historic: memorial
Lat/Long: 49.9112508/-6.3044418
Stony Porth
Natural: bay
Source: OS Open Names
Lat/Long: 49.9083693/-6.3092985
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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