We all need a bit of peace and quiet from time to time. And few places in Cornwall are as remotely tranquil as St Agnes Head, which is just a few miles down the coast from Perranporth and not far up from Portreath either. Set high up on the north Cornish coast clifftops, this ruggedly majestic area is perfect for walkers and those who just want to be surrounded by nature and history.
At the right time of year, you’re greeted by a lush carpet of gorse and heather at St Agnes Head alongside the drone of insects and the sounds of birds in the skies, particularly choughs if you’re lucky enough to spot these crow-like creatures. Take in all the nature and then look to the beacon as St Agnes Head is in the shadow of the famous St Agnes Beacon, a hill with a trig mark on its summit that offers some of the most impressive vistas in Cornwall. From the beacon or the head, the sea views can be magnificent.
The main pastime here is walking, particularly on the South West Coast Path that runs around the head or down to the nearby coastguard lookout station. But stargazing at night is also recommended, as is checking out the historic sites that pepper the area. Firstly, the area was once a rifle range back in the Napoleonic Wars period in the early 19th century and, later, it was used as an anti-aircraft artillery range during the Second World War. Secondly, there was a thriving tin and copper mining community here for more than 400 years. You can still see some of the ruined engine houses on the edge of the clifftops.
St Agnes Head isn’t an ‘attraction’ in the strictest sense of the word but we at Proper Cornwall are big fans of this area because it ticks so many boxes: peaceful walking, history, nature, awesome vistas and one of the best spots in the county for stargazing. Head to this head and surround yourself in that trademark Cornish tranquillity.