SV9009 : Stony Porth, St. Mary's

Peninnis Head

36m Elevation
31m Prominence
England Country
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SV9009 : Stony Porth, St. Mary's

Bob Embleton Photo source

Explore routes near Peninnis Head

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

Porthcurno and the Minack Theatre

8.3 km ~3h 30m Moderate

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Lizard to Kyanace Cove Out and Back

4.7 km ~2h 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.

Peninnis Head Circular Walk

A stunning circular walk starting from St Mary's that takes you along the coastal paths and offers spacious views.

5 km ~2 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

0-99m hill

Elevation

36m

118 ft

Prominence

31m

Coordinates

49.9100, -6.3082

SV908099

OS Map

203

Explorer: 101

At the Summit

At the summit, you will find a historic lighthouse, serving as a beacon for seafarers. The area also features picturesque wildflowers dotting the landscape, along with the remains of early fortifications. Always a treat for your camera!

Terrain & Geology

Rocky and grassy with some steep sections along the cliffs.

Peninnis Head is primarily composed of granite, which has weathered beautifully to create smooth, rounded boulders and rugged cliff faces. This geology often results in dramatic coastal views and stark contrasts with the azure waters of the surrounding Atlantic Ocean.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can see the beautiful St Mary's Island, the nearby islands of Tresco and Bryher, and on a clear day, the distant mainland of Cornwall.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Peninnis' is derived from the Cornish word meaning 'headland.'

Historical Significance

Peninnis Head has served as a navigation point for many sailors throughout history due to its prominent position on the southern tip of St Mary's.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Parking is available in St Mary's, which is a short walk from the trailhead to Peninnis Head.

Public Transport

Regular ferry services from Penzance to St Mary's ensure easy access, and once on the island, local buses can help you get around.

Nearby Facilities

There are several lovely cafes and pubs within St Mary's providing food, drinks, and toilet facilities, making it a great stop after your hike.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Be cautious of the cliffs, especially when the wind is strong. The rocky terrain can be uneven; appropriate footwear is recommended.

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 Peninnis Head?

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

Are there other walkers around Peninnis Head?

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 Peninnis Head search or of course create your own walk for Peninnis Head

Can I organise a walk to Peninnis Head?

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 Peninnis Head.

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 Peninnis Head?

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 Peninnis Head 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: SV908099

View on OpenStreetMap

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