Godrevy Point is a headland on the east side of St Ives Bay. Its main attraction is Godrevy Lighthouse, which is a perfect example of what a lighthouse should look like. Located on a small islet just 1000ft off Godrevy Point, it is a 120ft high white tower that guards the northern side of the bay. The lighthouse was built in 1859 to warn ships of the dangerous Stones Reef and was manned by two lighthouse keepers until 1939 when it was fully automated. It is believed to be the inspiration behind Virginia Woolf’s book To The Lighthouse, though she set that book in the Hebrides. Godrevy Point is also a good example of coastal cliffs and heathland, and is mostly under the ownership of the The National Trust. The South West Coastal Path runs around the headland.

---

Location and Parking

Postcode: TR27 5ED

From either east or west, take the A30 to Hayle. At Loggins roundabout,  which is just east of Hayle, turn west along the B3301, then turn right at the next double mini-roundabout onto Loggins Road. After 2.5 miles, immediately after a sign for Rockpool, turn left onto a minor road signposted to Godrevy. Follow this road to the very end where there is National Trust parking in a couple of fields.

---

 

Mutton Cove

Instead of heading directly towards the lighthouse, leave the car park by a path at the back of the field. This leads to Mutton Cove, which is a popular spot for seals to pull out onto the beach and rocks. The path is high on the cliffs above the beach, so it is not possible to get a close-up view of the seals, but there are numerous signs about not disturbing them, so it is best to stick to the cliff tops and hope for just a glimpse of the seals far below. Regardless, Mutton Cove is a good spot in its own right, especially in the evening sun.

Continuing along the coast path, and there are fine views north-west towards the area known as North Cliffs.

Godrevy Lighthouse

Godrevy Lighthouse sits on Godrevy Island, about 300 yards out to sea. It looks close enough for a good swimmer to reach, however there are dangerous currents and undertows, and even in the days when the lighthouse was manned, it could sometimes be difficult to land on the island. There are however frequent boat trips from St Ives, across the bay to visit the lighthouse.

The real photographic attraction of Godrevy Lighthouse is at sunset. During the summer, the sun sets behind the lighthouse and there are numerous foreground opportunities from either the cliff top path or down on the rocks, depending on the tide.

During the summer, there is also a lot of sea thrift or armeria, as well as numerous other wild flowers along the cliff tops, which can be brough into the scene for some added interest.

Alternatively, just zoom in on the lighthouse as the sun sets behind.

Sea Thrift

One of the attractions of Godrevy Point in summer is the abundance of wild flowers – in particular sea thrift or armeria, which lines the cliff tops. The view below shows Gwithean Beach win the background which is the eastern end of Hayle Beach, which extends for three miles along the back of St Ives Bay.

Another view of the sea thrift on Godrevy Point, looking across the bay towards St Ives.

---

Return To Cornwall Posts