Nanjizal Bay

Nanjizal Bay is near Land’s End and is not a place you stumble across unless you’re walking the South West coast path.

It’s a remote beach, framed by rugged, strangely-shaped cliffs – one of them a vertical chasm known as ‘Song of the Sea’ which, like the eye of a needle, provides compelling glimpses of the occasional crashing wave.  At the opposite end of the inlet is what is known as the ‘Diamond Horse’ – an equine-like rock formation whose veins of quartz glisten like jewels in the sun.

Facing west, Nanjizal is a place for stunning sunsets when the weather obliges.  Frequently boulder-strewn thanks to the ravages of dramatic Atlantic storms, it isn’t a traditional sandy beach but rather a picturesque cove full of natural, sometimes savage beauty.  Seals can regularly be spotted on its shoreline and a series of waterfalls provide a gentle backdrop of soothingly mellifluous sound.

The route to Nanjizal is captivating.  Park in the small hamlet of Trevescan, follow the footpath sign just beyond the Apple Tree Café (it will feel as if you’re in someone’s driveway), walk nearly a mile through fields and even a farmyard and emerge onto a valley ridge that ultimately plunges towards the sea.  Heather and gorse border the narrow pathway and wooden steps and bridges give access to the beach.  

Once there stop, gaze, reflect, perhaps picnic and maybe even swim before the (fairly steep) climb back up.  You’re unlikely to see many people – this is a spot that is well worth the effort of finding but will never attract the hordes.

Useful info

• TR19 6JJ for the beach, TR19 7AQ for Trevescan.

• Suitable for dogs at any time of year.

• A sturdy pair of walking boots are recommended.

• Unsuitable for those with impaired mobility.

• There are no public toilets.

• There are shops and cafes in Sennen.

Did you know?

The City of Cardiff cargo ship foundered on rocks off the cove in 1912 – the same year the Titanic went down.  Everyone onboard survived thanks to the Sennen Life-Saving Apparatus Team who realised the vessel was in trouble and used ropes to bring the crew safely back to shore.  Remnants of the ship can still be seen at low tide.

Time for tea

Just has to be The Apple Tree Café in Trevescan.  Handily situated close to the start of the Nanjizal walk, it’s the perfect place for refreshment with a range of enticing homemade food and beverages on offer.   Family-run and very welcoming, there is indoor and outdoor seating.  You can take your dog there too.

What else?

Nearby Sennen is Cornwall’s most westerly village.  Said to be the site of a bloody battle successfully fought against the Danes by King Arthur and seven Cornish chieftains and celebrated with a feast on a large rock known as Table Mên, it’s best known today for Sennen Cove – a very popular and easily accessible beach that’s lifeguarded during the summer.

What’s nearby?

• Carn Euny Ancient Village. A well-reserved historic settlement with a stone-walled underground passage known as a fogou at its heart. Run by English Heritage. Free entry. Sat Nav: TR20 8RB.

• Land’s End.  A paid-for attraction with things to do and stunning scenery to gaze at. Sat Nav: TR19 7AA.  

• Sennen Cove.  Tucked around the corner from Land’s End and boasting one of the finest stretches of sand in Cornwall. Sat Nav: TR19 7DA.