Black Rock

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Cornwall

England

Black Rock

Not the way into Wacker Woods While the footpath looks inviting, the sign warns that it leads into a military training area and that entry is forbidden.
Not the way into Wacker Woods Credit: Tony Atkin

Black Rock is a prominent coastal feature located in Cornwall, England. Situated on the southwestern tip of the county, it is a headland that juts out into the Atlantic Ocean. The black-colored rocks that give the feature its name are a distinctive characteristic of the area.

The headland is composed of rugged cliffs that tower above the crashing waves below. These cliffs are made up of a variety of rocks, including slate and granite, which have been eroded over time by the relentless power of the sea. This erosion has created numerous caves and crevices along the coastline, adding to the area's dramatic beauty.

Black Rock offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding coastline and the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. On clear days, visitors can see as far as Land's End, another famous landmark in Cornwall. The headland is also a popular spot for birdwatching, with a variety of seabirds nesting on the cliffs and soaring above the waves.

The area surrounding Black Rock is rich in biodiversity, with a diverse range of plant and animal species. The rugged terrain provides a natural habitat for various coastal plants, including sea thrift and sea campion. Seals and dolphins are often spotted in the waters off the headland, adding to the appeal for wildlife enthusiasts.

Black Rock is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers, who can explore the coastal footpaths that wind their way around the headland. The area also offers opportunities for rock climbing and fishing, attracting outdoor enthusiasts from near and far.

In summary, Black Rock is a stunning headland on the coast of Cornwall, known for its rugged cliffs, black-colored rocks, and breathtaking views. It is a haven for wildlife and a favorite destination for outdoor activities, providing visitors with a memorable and immersive experience of Cornwall's natural beauty.

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Black Rock Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.383494/-4.2554378 or Grid Reference SX3956. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Not the way into Wacker Woods While the footpath looks inviting, the sign warns that it leads into a military training area and that entry is forbidden.
Not the way into Wacker Woods
While the footpath looks inviting, the sign warns that it leads into a military training area and that entry is forbidden.
Wacker Quay and Warren Point Looking over the old quayside and across the entrance to the tidal creek called Wacker Lake to the woodlands at Warren Point.  Wacker Quay used to be where ammunition and other goods were brought in for the military fortifications of Scraesdon Fort and Tregantle Fort.  They were taken up to the forts on a railway line which started here but has long since disappeared.
Wacker Quay and Warren Point
Looking over the old quayside and across the entrance to the tidal creek called Wacker Lake to the woodlands at Warren Point. Wacker Quay used to be where ammunition and other goods were brought in for the military fortifications of Scraesdon Fort and Tregantle Fort. They were taken up to the forts on a railway line which started here but has long since disappeared.
A waterside field Note the two berry pickers at the field edge.
A waterside field
Note the two berry pickers at the field edge.
Antony Village This photograph was taken from the "bottom" of the village looking up the main street to the church.
Antony Village
This photograph was taken from the "bottom" of the village looking up the main street to the church.
Shed near Burell Farm, Trematon Shed near Burell Farm, Trematon, near Saltash, Cornwall.
Shed near Burell Farm, Trematon
Shed near Burell Farm, Trematon, near Saltash, Cornwall.
Elm Gate, near Saltash Elm Gate, near Saltash, Cornwall. A railway tunnel on the main Paddington to Penzance line runs right under this road junction. This view is looking towards Trematon.
Elm Gate, near Saltash
Elm Gate, near Saltash, Cornwall. A railway tunnel on the main Paddington to Penzance line runs right under this road junction. This view is looking towards Trematon.
Barnyard near Elm Gate, Saltash Barnyard on the road from Elm Gate to Ince Castle, near Saltash, Cornwall, which lies overlooking the River Lynher.
Barnyard near Elm Gate, Saltash
Barnyard on the road from Elm Gate to Ince Castle, near Saltash, Cornwall, which lies overlooking the River Lynher.
Lane near Tredown Farm Primroses bedeck the verges adding a splash of creamy yellow.
Lane near Tredown Farm
Primroses bedeck the verges adding a splash of creamy yellow.
Lynher River near Erth Barton One of the arms of the complex estuary which becomes Plymouth Sound. The Lynher (or St. Germans) River snakes inland for several miles forming numerous tidal creeks. This section varies dramatically between low and high tides.
Lynher River near Erth Barton
One of the arms of the complex estuary which becomes Plymouth Sound. The Lynher (or St. Germans) River snakes inland for several miles forming numerous tidal creeks. This section varies dramatically between low and high tides.
Scraesdon Fort Used by Marines for Training - used blanks / trip flares all around
Scraesdon Fort
Used by Marines for Training - used blanks / trip flares all around
Aerial View of Scraesdon Fort and Antony This picture clearly shows the outline of Scraesdon Fort with its defensive moat filled with mature trees. The village of Antony is in the picture as is Scraesdon Farm and all roads contained within the 1km square map image.
Aerial View of Scraesdon Fort and Antony
This picture clearly shows the outline of Scraesdon Fort with its defensive moat filled with mature trees. The village of Antony is in the picture as is Scraesdon Farm and all roads contained within the 1km square map image.
Scraesdon Fort - Caponier House Gun Embrasures that protect the gatehouse with musketfire, the upper floor is long gone but the stonework supports can be clearly seen.
Scraesdon Fort - Caponier
House Gun Embrasures that protect the gatehouse with musketfire, the upper floor is long gone but the stonework supports can be clearly seen.
Scraesdon Fort - Haxo Gun Casements Bomb proof gun positions that point north over the Lynher estuary.
Scraesdon Fort - Haxo Gun Casements
Bomb proof gun positions that point north over the Lynher estuary.
Scraesdon Fort - Interior
Scraesdon Fort - Interior
Scraesdon Fort - Steps leading down to lower levels Down down down we go into the eerie blackness below
Scraesdon Fort - Steps leading down to lower levels
Down down down we go into the eerie blackness below
Scraesdon Fort - Steps down to lower Gun Embrasures Spectacularly sturdy building - amazing to see where masonry and brick have been integrated into the rock that was cut away to form this forbiddable structure.
Scraesdon Fort - Steps down to lower Gun Embrasures
Spectacularly sturdy building - amazing to see where masonry and brick have been integrated into the rock that was cut away to form this forbiddable structure.
Erth Hill Looking across St. Germans Estuary at Erth Hill from a field North of Scraesdon Fort. Foreground field in shade of sun.
Erth Hill
Looking across St. Germans Estuary at Erth Hill from a field North of Scraesdon Fort. Foreground field in shade of sun.
Scraesdon Fort - Caponier Picture of a Fortified Caponier. The fire coming from here would sweep across the entrance to the fort, inflicting devastating damage on any attempt to storm the fortificaton. 

To avoid fire from one caponier bearing on the next, caponiers are usually set at alternate corners of the fort, so that they fire towards a blank wall at the opposite end of the ditch, giving full coverage of the ditch without subjecting the next caponier to fire. The length of the straight sections of the ditch is chosen so that it can be covered by fire from a single caponier. Caponiers are often wedge shaped so that they can fire down both angles of the ditch.

Caponiers are a common feature of 19th century fortification, and are found on almost all the Victorian forts of Malta and the Palmerston Forts in UK - like this one.
Scraesdon Fort - Caponier
Picture of a Fortified Caponier. The fire coming from here would sweep across the entrance to the fort, inflicting devastating damage on any attempt to storm the fortificaton. To avoid fire from one caponier bearing on the next, caponiers are usually set at alternate corners of the fort, so that they fire towards a blank wall at the opposite end of the ditch, giving full coverage of the ditch without subjecting the next caponier to fire. The length of the straight sections of the ditch is chosen so that it can be covered by fire from a single caponier. Caponiers are often wedge shaped so that they can fire down both angles of the ditch. Caponiers are a common feature of 19th century fortification, and are found on almost all the Victorian forts of Malta and the Palmerston Forts in UK - like this one.
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Black Rock is located at Grid Ref: SX3956 (Lat: 50.383494, Lng: -4.2554378)

Unitary Authority: Cornwall

Police Authority: Devon and Cornwall

What 3 Words

///innovator.penny.ducks. Near Saltash, Cornwall

Nearby Locations

Ince Brake Black Rock

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