When it comes to beautiful sandy beaches, Cornwall is spoilt for choice. However, for those of a geological inclination, or a preference for somewhere more wild and romantic, a secluded, rocky cove in the far west of Cornwall trumps them all. Meeting the sea at the bottom of Cot Valley near St Just, and vying for the position of most westerly beach in the country, Porth Nanven feels like a forgotten land, hidden at the end of a long and winding road that neither tourists nor mobile phone signal can navigate.
So, although entirely justified, its a few years ago came as quite a shock. But Porth Nanven is more than just a pretty face. This wild Atlantic frontier known locally as ‘Dinosaur Egg Beach’ has a tale to tell from 120,000 years ago.
This article was first published in 2023.