Maen Dower

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Cornwall

England

Maen Dower

Carn Gloose Trig Point Flush Bracket S8141 Credit: thejackrustles

Maen Dower is a prominent headland located on the north coast of Cornwall, England. Situated near the village of Zennor, it is a popular coastal feature renowned for its breathtaking views and rugged natural beauty. The headland extends into the Atlantic Ocean, jutting out into the azure waters, forming a distinctive point that offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding area.

The name "Maen Dower" translates to "Stone of the Otter" in the Cornish language, and it is believed to have derived from the presence of otters in the area. The headland is characterized by its towering cliffs, which rise dramatically from the sea, showcasing stunning geological formations and providing a habitat for various seabirds.

Maen Dower is not only visually striking but also holds great historical significance. It is home to several ancient burial mounds and stone circles, suggesting that the area has been inhabited for thousands of years. The headland also boasts a rich maritime heritage, with tales of shipwrecks and smuggling activities that once occurred along the treacherous coastline.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Maen Dower offers excellent opportunities for coastal walks, as there are numerous footpaths that meander along the cliffs, allowing visitors to explore the area's natural wonders firsthand. The headland is also a popular spot for wildlife enthusiasts, who may catch sight of seals, dolphins, and seabirds such as gannets and fulmars.

Overall, Maen Dower is a captivating coastal feature that combines stunning natural beauty with a rich historical and cultural heritage, making it a must-visit destination for those exploring Cornwall's rugged coastline.

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Maen Dower Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.105957/-5.6989782 or Grid Reference SW3529. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Carn Gloose Trig Point Flush Bracket S8141

thejackrustles

Ballowall Barrow

This Bronze Age barrow was excavated (and radically altered) in 1878 by Cornish antiquarian William Borlase. The internal walls were rebuilt by him which has unfortunately affected the way it is perceived. It is however an evocative site in a stunning location. See Link

Rob Farrow

The stream from Cot Valley discharging onto the beach at Porth Nanven

Rod Allday

Eroded rocks on the beach at Porth Nanven

Worn away by the stream in the Cot Valley, which discharges onto the beach here.

Rod Allday

Emergency call point at Porth Nanven

Rod Allday

Chimney of former mine at Ballowall

Situated a few dozen metres southeast of SW3531 : Ballowall Barrow this chimney is all that is left of a former mine. It is one of many mining remnants in the area, which collectively form the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape UNESCO World Heritage site - see UNESCO: Link

English Heritage: Link

Rob Farrow

Climate history revealed!

Bottom: current beach - rounded rocks Middle: raised beach (rounded pebbles but above current sea level) from warm period 120000 years ago (Mediterranean Climate in south Britain) Top: head deposits (angular - broken by ice action) from 100000-20000 years ago when area was tundra and ice covered much of Britain.

Hugh Venables

Tom Thumb rock St. Just-in-Penwith

Carl Weaver

Beach and cliffs at Nanven

Looking inland towards the cliff at low tide, with the rocky beach exposed. The dark vertical gashes in the cliff are the remains of mine workings which followed the seams of minerals. The cliff around the lower entrance is supported by a wall. Look closely and you can just make out a figure making their way across the rocks - they had been snorkelling and were returning to their kit.

Jim Champion

Rocky beach at Nanven

Looking out to sea at low tide from the rocky beach at Nanven, with boulders that have been weathered into smooth shapes by the action of the sea. On the horizon: The Brisons.

Jim Champion

Geologically interesting beach at Porth Nanven

At the end of the Cot Valley is this National Trust owned beach, shown here in the traditional Cornish drizzle at low tide. The geology of the brown cliff on the left is explained in more detail in this geograph: SW3530 : Climate history revealed!! A cagouled human figure is supplied in the foreground for scale (crouched down looking into a rockpool). According to the National Trust interpretation board (at the head of the slipway, to the right of the brown cliff) it is an offence to remove stones from this beach.

Jim Champion

Ruined mine workings in the Cot Valley

The stream in this photo runs along the Cot Valley and joins the sea below at Porth Nanven. On the left (and behind the photographer) are the remains of mine workings that accompanied the various shafts in the surrounding cliffs and hills. The rocky islands out to sea are The Brisons, with a profile perhaps unkindly likened to General de Gaulle lying on his back.

Jim Champion

Ballowall Barrow

A magnificent example of a chambered cairn, otherwise known as Carn Gluze. Link

Oliver Dixon

Trig Point near Carn Gloose

Heathland vegetation covers the flat hilltop to the south of Cape Cornwall.

Tony Atkin

Chimney on Carn Gloose

There has been extensive mine workings in the past on this download and many mineshafts have been left behind but this chimney is the only building left standing.

Tony Atkin

Disused Mine Shaft on Carn Gloose

Overlooking Porth Naven.

Tony Atkin

Row of Disused Mine Shafts

On the top of the valley slope at Porth Nanven.

Tony Atkin

The Coast Path in the Cot Valley

The path descends from Carn Gloose then takes the valley road down towards Porth Nanven.

Tony Atkin

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Maen Dower is located at Grid Ref: SW3529 (Lat: 50.105957, Lng: -5.6989782)

Unitary Authority: Cornwall

Police Authority: Devon and Cornwall

What 3 Words

///clean.boast.stale. Near St Just, Cornwall

Nearby Locations

Carn Creis Carn Ding Dong Carn Mellyn Boscregan and Hendra Cliff Carn Polpry Polpry Cove

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