Carn Bosistow

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Cornwall

England

Carn Bosistow

Lower Bosistow Cliff path approaching Nanjizal Beach Credit: Tom Page

Carn Bosistow is a captivating coastal feature located in Cornwall, England. Situated on the west coast of the county, it is a prominent headland that extends into the Atlantic Ocean. With its breathtaking cliffs and stunning views, it is a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

The headland is characterized by its rugged and dramatic landscape. The cliffs, which reach heights of up to 60 meters, are composed of rugged granite rock formations that have been shaped over centuries by the relentless power of the ocean waves.

Carn Bosistow offers a unique vantage point to observe the surrounding coastline. On clear days, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, as well as the pristine sandy beaches that stretch for miles in both directions. The headland is also known for its picturesque rock formations, including the famous "Dinosaur's Footprint" – a natural rock formation resembling the footprint of a dinosaur.

In addition to its natural beauty, Carn Bosistow also holds historical significance. The headland is home to ancient remains, including a Bronze Age burial mound. These archaeological features serve as a reminder of the area's rich and diverse past.

For nature enthusiasts, Carn Bosistow is a haven for wildlife. The headland provides a habitat for various seabirds, including puffins, gulls, and razorbills. It is also a popular spot for birdwatching, particularly during the breeding season when the cliffs come alive with the sounds of nesting seabirds.

Overall, Carn Bosistow is a captivating coastal feature that offers a blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and abundant wildlife. Whether one seeks solitude amidst breathtaking scenery or an opportunity to explore Cornwall's diverse heritage, this headland is a must-visit destination.

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Carn Bosistow Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.049735/-5.6902335 or Grid Reference SW3523. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Lower Bosistow Cliff path approaching Nanjizal Beach

Tom Page

The B3315 at Polgigga village sign

Roy Hughes

Polgigga village pond

Roy Hughes

The B3315 at junction for Trebehor

Roy Hughes

Milestone on the bend at Polgigga

On the B3315, which runs from Newlyn to Land's End.

Rod Allday

Shoreline at Porthgwarra, reached through the cliff tunnel

Maurice D Budden

Misty bridge

Footbridge at Land's End on a slightly misty day.

Barry Ephgrave

Footpath west of Polgigga

A group of walkers enjoys the straight, level and tarmaced sufrace of this footpath west of Polgigga, that leads towards Bosistow then Mill Bay.

Graham Horn

Lower Bosistow

A lovely Georgian farmhouse on the way to Mill Bay.

Graham Horn

Towards Bosistow Cliffs

A group of walkers descends the track, a bridleway, from Higher Bosistow towards the coast at Carn Lês Boel.

Graham Horn

Heather on Higher Bosistow Cliffs

There are two well-defined tracks across the heather, the coastal path and an inland route towards Higher Bosistow. This is the area of heather moorland in between.

Graham Horn

Higher Bosistow Cliffs

There is a stretch of heather moorland above the coastal path, which runs below the first horizon.

Graham Horn

Towards Carn LÃªs Boel

This is an ancient promontory name, at a location where there used to be a fort, probably Iron Age. The coastal path runs just in front of us, having come down the bridleway from Higher Bosistow.

Graham Horn

Mill Bay or Nanjizal

This view from High Bosistow Cliff shows most of Mill Bay and the north-western part of the square, with the coastal path continuing over Trevilley Cliff beyond towards Lands End. The buildings at Lands End SW3424 can be seen on the horizon. The alternative name for Mill Bay, Nanjizal, is also given to the nearby house. I cannot find the origin of the name though.

Graham Horn

Nanjizal

Holiday cottage with a view. This is Nanjizal, a remote house with a stunning position above Mill Bay.

Graham Horn

The Song of the Sea

That is the name of this cove, adjacent to Mill Bay or Nanjizal beach, where the sea has cut through the rock to form a narrow passage. Someone who has been there writes on Wikipedia "Inside the cove are large rockpools with many types of sea anemones and seaweeds, although the rocks are very slippery and the cove dark and damp. Several of the rocks appear to be covered with a purple substance."

Graham Horn

Mill Bay or Nanjizal

A wonderfully secluded beach. When the weather is fine this is a great place to be, and to stay being. But it faces due west, so when those Atlantic storms roll in it is probably not so pleasant.

Graham Horn

Footpath towards Mill Bay

The group I was leading was mainly German, and they were surprised that we could walk straight across this field. So I explained our footpath system and that this route had been kept clear by the farmer. The field probably had a crop recently planted, but nothing was visible above ground.

Graham Horn

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Carn Bosistow is located at Grid Ref: SW3523 (Lat: 50.049735, Lng: -5.6902335)

Unitary Authority: Cornwall

Police Authority: Devon and Cornwall