Gurnard’s Head
50° 11' 25" N 5° 36' 0" WGurnard's Head is a long, narrow headland on the north side of the Penwith peninsula.
Two crumbling stone ramparts, each around 60 meters long, cross the narrowest part of the headland forming an Iron Age promontory fort (cliff castle) known as Trereen Dinas. The ramparts enclose an area of roughly three hectares within which the remains of sixteen roundhouses have been found, averaging six meters in diameter. An excavation in 1939 revealed that the back of the inner rampart had been constructed in three steps, providing a place for slingers to stand. This type of construction has also been found in some Iron Age cliff castles in Brittany. The promontory defences are generally fairly hard to make out, although it is possible to discern the remains of the walls and at least one entrance.
The area is almost entirely owned by the National Trust, and the cliff castle is on open access land just off the coast path.
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- Not suitable for wheelchairs
- Dogs allowed (All year)
History of Gurnard’s Head
Gurnards Head, located in the western part of Cornwall, has a long history of human settlement dating back to the Bronze Age. Archaeological evidence shows that the area was occupied by prehistoric people who were attracted to the region’s natural resources, including its fertile land and rich mineral deposits.
Excavations of burial mounds in the surrounding area have revealed a wealth of artifacts from the Bronze Age, including pottery, jewelry, and tools. These finds suggest that the region was home to a thriving community of farmers and metalworkers who were skilled in the production of bronze tools and weapons.
The landscape surrounding Gurnards Head is also dotted with ancient settlements and burial sites, indicating that the area was an important center of trade and commerce during the Bronze Age. These settlements are believed to have been connected by a network of trade routes that stretched across Cornwall and beyond.
Today, visitors to Gurnards Head can explore the region’s rich Bronze Age heritage by visiting nearby archaeological sites, including the Ballowall Barrow and the Carn Galva Cairn. These sites offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives of prehistoric peoples who once called this rugged corner of Cornwall their home.
Travel / Parking information for Gurnard’s Head
Directions to Gurnard’s Head
From Penzance or St Ives follow signs to Zennor. Continue on the B3306 until you arrive at The Gurnard's Head pub.
Parking for Gurnard’s Head
You can park at the lay-by opposite The Gurnard's Head pub. From here you can walk the footpath leading to the coast path.
