Bosigran Cliff Castle & Halldrine Cove
In a region of Cornwall already renowned for its dramatic coastline and wonderful wild scenery the headland at Bosigran is still held by many to be exceptional. The promontory is one of the highest and most spectacular in Penwith with the added interest of an ancient cliff castle to discover and hidden coves at the base of its sheer sea cliffs.
Perched on a steep jutting headland in the parish of Morvah, Bosigran Cliff Castle was built around 2000 years ago during the Iron Age. A single line of defensive wall was constructed across the neck of the headland, from one towering cliff to another and this earthwork still survives to about 5ft (1.5m) tall, 4ft thick and around 100m in length. There is no archaeological evidence of permanent occupation inside the castle, but it is likely that the ancient communities living close by would have retreated there in times of trouble.
The castle has been a scheduled monument since 1970 and was acquired by the National Trust, along with 500 acres of breathtaking countryside stretching up the heights of the 762ft rocky outcrop of Carn Galva, in 1978.
Standing out on the tip of the headland there are stunning views in all directions, and at your feet the cliffs drop 350ft to two rocky coves – Porthmoina on one side and Halldrine on the other. It is possible to walk down to Halldrine Cove, with care, and marvel at the monumental soaring rockfaces above and the lime green water washing against granite below. (It is also possible to swim here but it is only really suitable for confident swimmers and only in calm seas.)
Rock climbers paradise
It is not hard to see why these cliffs are an irresistible magnet for rock climbers. One of the nearby crags is known as ‘Commando Ridge’ because it was used for the training of thousands of assault troops during World War II. And interestingly in June 1963 Sir John Hunt brought the Nepalese-Indian sherpa, Tenzing Norgay to see the cliffs at Bosigran. Sherpa Tenzing had climbed Mount Everest a total of seven times and had been on the 1953 expedition with Hunt and Sir Edmund Hilary. It is said that Hunt brought him to Cornwall to show him “a fine example of sea cliffs”.
However, despite the encouragement of the local climbing club who were holding a special meet to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the team conquering of Everest, Tenzing refused to climb. Apparently, he was not put off by the height of the cliffs or the difficulty of the climb, he was frightened by the basking sharks he could see gliding in the clear waters below!
Visiting Bosigran:
There is a parking area beside the B3306 Morvah to St Just road, just beside the Carn Galva engine houses. From here a path leads down to the coastal path and then out on to the headland. The route down to Halldrine cove is a little further along the coast but please be aware that this is a narrow, steep climb, little more than a rabbit run and should only be taken in good conditions and by those who are sure on their feet. Always take extreme care near cliff edges.