SX2551 : St George's or Looe Island

Looe Island

47m Elevation
47m Prominence
England Country
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SX2551 : St George's or Looe Island

Philip Halling Photo source

Overview

Looe Island: A Coastal Gem

Nestled just off the south coast of Cornwall, Looe Island is a delightful escape for nature lovers and those seeking a bit of coastal adventure. With its intriguing geology, rich history, and stunning views, it’s a must-visit!

Geology

Looe Island is primarily made of granite, a testament to the powerful geological processes that shaped this corner of England. The island's rock formations present unique insights into the geological history of Cornwall, making it a fascinating spot for geology enthusiasts.

Access

Getting to Looe Island is part of the charm! You can park at Looe Harbour, where the local boat service operates regular trips to the island. It’s only a short walk from the boat drop-off point to explore the island’s highlights. If you're coming via public transport, take a train to Liskeard followed by a bus to Looe — and voila, adventure awaits!

Facilities

While the island itself is quite bare, the nearby town of Looe offers plenty of amenities. From quaint cafes to local shops, you can fuel up before or after your visit. Toilet facilities are conveniently located around the harbour area, so no need to worry!

Views

On a clear day, the views from Looe Island are nothing short of spectacular! From the rocky outcrops, you can gaze out over Looe Bay, maybe even catching a glimpse of playful seals or soaring seabirds. For the best experience, visit during spring or summer, not least for stunning sunsets that can really take your breath away.

History

Looe Island is steeped in history, with origins that trace back centuries. The name 'Looe' comes from the Cornish word for 'lake', a fitting title for this coastal piece of paradise. The island also once housed a hermitage, adding a dash of mystique to its past.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a hiker, a history buff, or simply someone who loves a good day out, Looe Island offers something for everyone. Just remember, tides can be a tricky business, so do check the tide times to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit. Pack your sense of adventure, and enjoy this beautiful part of Cornwall!

Happy exploring!

Explore routes near Looe Island

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

Lanhydrock: Deer Wall, River Fowey and Woodland Circuit

7.4 km ~2h 30m Moderate

View route

Ropehaven Cliffs and Black Head

3.4 km ~1h 30m Moderate

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Cotehele: Danescombe Valley and Mining Heritage Circuit

4.3 km ~2h Moderate

View route

Wadebridge to Boscarne: Camel Valley Railway Walk

15.6 km ~4h 20m Moderate

View route

Route planning notes

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

Looe Harbour to Looe Island

A picturesque boat ride across to the island, offering beautiful coastal views along the way. Once on the island, a short walk leads to the main areas of interest.

0.5 km ~0.5 hours Easy
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

0-99m hill SIB

Elevation

47m

154 ft

Prominence

47m

Coordinates

50.3370, -4.4512

SX256514

OS Map

201

Explorer: 107

At the Summit

The island features a beautiful rocky shoreline and some remnants of historic buildings, though there's no strict summit due to its flat terrain.

Terrain & Geology

Rocky and grassy with some coastal pathways.

Primarily composed of granite and slate, Looe Island showcases stunning coastal geology shaped by erosion and weathering over millennia. The surrounding sea cliffs are home to a variety of marine life and interesting rock formations.

Views & Scenery

Stunning views across Looe Bay and the nearby coastline, with the possibility of spotting wildlife such as seals and sea birds.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

Looe is derived from the Cornish word 'logh' meaning 'lake' or 'pool', appropriate for an island surrounded by water.

Historical Significance

Historically, Looe Island has been used for fishing and was also a site for a hermitage in the Middle Ages.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Parking is available at Looe Harbour, where you can also pick up boat trips to the island.

Public Transport

Looe is accessible via train from Liskeard, along with local bus services.

Nearby Facilities

There are local cafes and shops in Looe, with toilets generally available near the harbour.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Be cautious of slippery rocks and the potential for tides to rise quickly. Check the tide times before visiting.

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 Looe Island?

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

Are there other walkers around Looe Island?

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 Looe Island search or of course create your own walk for Looe Island

Can I organise a walk to Looe Island?

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

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Looe Island.

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 Looe Island?

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.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Looe Island here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: SX256514

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