Shag Point

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Cornwall

England

Shag Point

Lower Town Quay The smaller of the two quays on St Martin’s. The larger quay at Higher Town is the one used for freight deliveries, but is inaccessible at a low tide.

The island behind is the uninhabited Tean (pronounced tea-an). — Lower Town Quay Credit: David Lally

Shag Point is a prominent headland located on the north coast of Cornwall, England. Situated approximately 10 miles southwest of the popular tourist town of Newquay, it is known for its striking natural beauty and rugged coastal landscape.

The headland juts out into the Atlantic Ocean, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding area. Its unique geological formations, characterized by steep cliffs and rocky outcrops, make it a popular spot for walkers, hikers, and nature enthusiasts. The coastline surrounding Shag Point is also home to a diverse array of wildlife, including seals, seabirds, and even the occasional dolphin or whale sighting.

Shag Point is easily accessible by both land and sea. There are several walking trails that lead visitors along the top of the cliffs, providing uninterrupted vistas of the dramatic coastline. For those who prefer a more adventurous approach, the headland can also be reached by boat, allowing for a different perspective of the rugged cliffs and hidden coves.

The area surrounding Shag Point is rich in history and heritage. The nearby village of St. Agnes offers a glimpse into Cornwall's mining past, with remnants of tin and copper mines scattered across the landscape. The headland itself is believed to have been a strategic lookout point during ancient times, and there are several archaeological sites in the vicinity.

Overall, Shag Point is a captivating coastal feature that showcases the natural beauty and rich history of Cornwall. Whether it's for a leisurely walk, a wildlife-spotting adventure, or a glimpse into the region's past, this headland offers something for everyone.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Shag Point Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 49.980052/-6.2916573 or Grid Reference SV9217. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Lower Town Quay

The smaller of the two quays on St Martin’s. The larger quay at Higher Town is the one used for freight deliveries, but is inaccessible at a low tide. The island behind is the uninhabited Tean (pronounced tea-an).

David Lally

Great Bay panorama

On of the most beautiful spots on the islands.

David Lally

St Martins

The beautiful St Martin's Bay

Richard Knights

Lower Town, St. Martin's

Looking SW, Tresco in distance

Darren Smith

St Martin's - Scillies

The high street of Middle Town, St Martin's.

Richard Knights

Looking out from gardens of Seven Stones pub

View looking south from the pub

Nick Andrews

St Martin's coastal path, looking towards Great Bay

Mike Walpole

St Martin's bay from Scilly point

This is a beautiful beach of white sand.

Richard Knights

The tidal causeway to White Island, Scilly

White Island is a part of St Martin's. This is the only land based way onto the island.

Richard Knights

Lower Town quay, St Martin's - Scilly

A small quay - but very well used for loading and unloading all the things that are essential for island life.

Richard Knights

Round Island from St Helens, Isles of Scilly

St Helen's is an uninhabited Island. I had landed, with others, from a vessel taking visitors around uninhabited islands on the northern edge of the Scillies archipelago. I had been on St Helen's in (was it) 1999 for the eclipse - which we actually did see despite a certain amount of cloud.

John Davey

Seven Stones, St Martins, Scilly

For many years requests for real beer were met with "it doesn't travel across water". Now the seas have changed their character around Scilly, proper beer is now plentiful at the Seven Stones. Views are pretty good too.

al partington