Cornwall's remote 'dinosaur egg beach' with great sunsets and submarine wreck
It's an iconic Cornish beach, but it's a far cry from golden sands
When it comes to beautiful sandy beaches, Cornwall is spoilt for choice. However, for those of a geological inclination, or a preference for somewhere more wild and romantic, a secluded, rocky cove in the far west of Cornwall trumps them all.
Meeting the sea at the bottom of Cot Valley near St Just, and vying for the position of most westerly beach in the country, Porth Nanven feels like a forgotten land, hidden at the end of a long and winding road that neither tourists nor mobile phone signal can navigate. So, although entirely justified, its surprise entry into the Top Ten Best Beaches in the UK a few years ago came as quite a shock.
But Porth Nanven is more than just a pretty face. This wild Atlantic frontier known locally as ‘Dinosaur Egg Beach’ has a tale to tell from 120,000 years ago.
There are 12 photos in this photo story and each caption tells you more about the Dinosaur Egg Beach. Make sure you click on "Next, View 3 more photos" at the bottom of the page.
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This article was first published in 2023
Ambling down the lane running alongside a stream that once powered Wheal Bellan mill and tin dressing works, it is easy to believe that Cot Valley has its own micro-climate as you pass lush, sub-tropical vegetation.
(Image: Greg Martin / Cornwall Live)1 of 12
Part of the Aire Point to Carrick Du Site of Special Scientific Interest, the serenity of this valley on a pleasant evening muffles the echoes of its noisy, industrial past.
(Image: Greg Martin / Cornwall Live)2 of 12
This tranquility is broken by crashing waves during winter storms, when the cause of this cove’s smoothed granite becomes apparent.
(Image: Greg Martin / Cornwall Live)3 of 12
