SW7221 : Goonhilly Earth Station At Sunset

Goonhilly Down

114m Elevation
54m Prominence
England Country
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SW7221 : Goonhilly Earth Station At Sunset

James T M Towill Photo source

Overview

Goonhilly Down: A Cornish Gem

Nestled in the heart of Cornwall, Goonhilly Down might not tower like some of the other peaks in the UK, but what it lacks in height, it makes up for in charm and views. At 62 meters, this Marilyn qualifies as a must-visit for hikers, local explorers, and those simply after a bit of fresh air.

Geology

Goonhilly Down showcases the fascinating geology of Cornwall, predominantly featuring granite with a combination of volcanic remnants. This means that as you hike, you'll be treading on grounds that have seen thousands of years of geological history.

Routes

Access to the summit is quite simple via the Goonhilly Satellite Earth Station Access Road. This easy 2.5 km route takes about 1.5 hours, perfect for a family outing. Along the path, you'll likely meet some friendly locals (both human and sheep!) and witness stunning scenery.

Summit Features

Upon reaching the summit, you'll find the trig point, standing as a silent witness to the ebb and flow of time. Make sure to capture the moment, as the backdrop of the iconic satellite dishes serves as an unusual yet captivating contrast to the rolling hills of Cornwall.

Terrain

The terrain is primarily grassy with some rocky outcrops, providing just the right amount of uneven ground to keep you on your toes but not so much that it requires climbing gear. Hiking boots will suffice!

Views

The views from the top are nothing short of breathtaking. The Lizard Peninsula stretches out before you, and on a clear day, the Isles of Scilly appear like jewels in the ocean. The best time for these views is during spring or autumn, when the skies are usually clear and the air crisp.

Hazards

While wandering around, keep an eye out for any livestock that may be grazing along the paths. While they're generally friendly and inquisitive, it's best to maintain a respectful distance.

Access and Facilities

Getting to Goonhilly Down is fairly straightforward, with ample parking available at the Earth Station’s visitor car park. Public transport options are also available, albeit limited, so check the schedules before heading out. After your hike, treat yourself to a slice of cake at the Earth Station café, or perhaps just a refreshing cup of tea to celebrate your conquest!

Conclusion

Goonhilly Down may not be the tallest mountain, but it is a delightful destination that combines natural beauty with fascinating history. So lace up those hiking boots and take a stroll in this charming corner of Cornwall—who knows what new adventures await you!

Last Updated: 2023-10-01

Explore routes near Goonhilly Down

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Helston to southern Loe Pool: Penrose lakeside woodland walk

8.4 km ~2h 30m Easy

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Lizard to Kynance Cove Out and Back

4.7 km ~2h Moderate

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Falmouth Walk with Men Walking & Talking

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Stithians Lake circular walk: dam, woodland and Penmarth

7.8 km ~2h 30m Moderate

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Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Goonhilly Satellite Earth Station Access Road

A scenic route starting from the Earth Station car park, this pathway leads gently uphill through terrain rich in local flora and fauna, ideal for a leisurely stroll or a brisk hike.

2.5 km ~1.5 hours Easy
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

100-199m hill

Elevation

114m

374 ft

Prominence

54m

Coordinates

50.0475, -5.1780

SW725212

OS Map

204

Explorer: 103

At the Summit

At the summit, hikers will find a trig point that offers a perfect photo op. A range of satellite dishes from the nearby Earth Station can also be spotted, providing a unique technological juxtaposition against the natural landscape.

Terrain & Geology

Grassy with rocky outcrops; expect some uneven surfaces but nothing too challenging.

Goonhilly Down is primarily composed of granite, typical of the Cornish landscape. The ground is sprinkled with remnants of ancient volcanic activity, offering a glimpse into the geological history of the region.

Views & Scenery

Spectacular views of the Lizard Peninsula, Mounts Bay, and on clear days, the Isles of Scilly can be seen in the distance. It's quite the sight, so remember to bring your binoculars!

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Goonhilly' is believed to derive from the Cornish 'Goon' meaning hill or eminence, perhaps suggesting that the locals were quite fond of their elevated space.

Historical Significance

Goonhilly Down has historical significance as it houses one of the world's first large-scale satellite earth stations, which has played a vital role in global communications since the 1960s.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

The nearest parking is at the Goonhilly Earth Station visitor car park, which is well signposted from the main roads.

Public Transport

The nearest bus stop is in the village of Ruan Minor, with limited services connecting to nearby towns like Helston and Falmouth.

Nearby Facilities

After your hike, you can grab a bite at the nearby Goonhilly Earth Station café, which serves delightful Cornish cream teas. Public toilets are also available on site.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Occasional livestock on the paths, so keep your wits about you and maybe leave a snack or two in your rucksack for the curious sheep.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Goonhilly Down?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Goonhilly Down through the maps

Are there other walkers around Goonhilly Down?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Goonhilly Down search or of course create your own walk for Goonhilly Down

Can I organise a walk to Goonhilly Down?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

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How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Goonhilly Down?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

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Location

Goonhilly Down location map

Grid reference: SW725212

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

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