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James Richards
Kastel Als Gwynnwalow
c.10000-4000BC
A single flint blade from the Mesolithic was recovered from the cliff face and recorded.
c.2400-700BC
Several barrows to the north and south of the site represent a ritual landscape which existed in prehistory.
c.800BC-100AD
During the Iron Age, the cliff castle was constructed, separating the interior of the monument from the mainland. Several possible Iron Age rounds have been identified nearby.
c43-410AD
Carbon dating supported with a pottery find from the Cliff Castle banks has suggested that the last phase of the monuments use was during the 4th or 5th Centuries AD.
6th-16th Centuries
The settlement of Gunwalloe developed during the Medieval period, from at least the 8th Century according to documentary and archaeological evidence.
20th Century
From 1906 to 1956, a large part of the Cliff Castle was part of Mullion golf club and a concrete slab and board were installed to shelter the golfers.
20th Century
Gunwalloe Cliff Castle was listed as a Scheduled Monument during the 20th century, protecting the site for future generations to learn from and enjoy.
Gunwalloe Cliff Castle sits on a narrow stretch of land between Church Cove and Dollar Cove. Long ago, this headland was the perfect place for people to build a safe home. Steep cliffs on three sides meant it was easy to defend. Even though much of it has eroded away, you can still see the ditch and bank that once protected it on the landward side. The earthwork’s nature has been debated by archaeologists and map makers for centuries, but a 2012 excavation confirmed it as a constructed rampart.
Today, the castle is harder to recognise, and its defences have been eroded over time. For over 3,000 years, people used this spot in a variety of different ways, including settlement and the construction of funerary monuments. Evidence including a burial cist found from the Middle Bronze Age and artifacts such as an Iron Age bracelet and Roman pottery, highlight trade connections beyond Britain. Sadly, the sea is slowly washing parts of the site away, including what might have been the main entrance.
Gunwalloe Cliff Castle was part of Cornwall National Landscape’s A Monumental Improvement Project, which aimed to ensure that 40 scheduled monuments across Cornwall National Landscape were better protected, identified and enjoyed by a wider range of people. Between 2022 – 2025, the Project delivered conservation repairs, installed new heritage interpretation signage, ran a range of community volunteering events and developed new website resources. The Project was primarily funded thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with support from our other partners – Cornwall Council, Historic England, The National Trust, Cornwall Heritage Trust and Cornwall Archaeological Society.
Gunwalloe Cliff Castle tells the story of Cornwall’s ancient people. The earliest traces of human activity found so far date back to the Bronze Age, including a cist burial and midden. Later, Iron Age people constructed a cliff castle with a large rampart, using the natural shape of the cliffs to keep safe. The ramparts and ditches they built made the place even stronger. Excavation during 2011-2012 found evidence of a previously unknown settlement at the site and uncovered some special finds.
The artefacts left behind like the shale bracelet and Roman pottery are clues about life thousands of years ago. They tell us that people here didn’t just stay in Cornwall. They traded and connected with others across the sea. Although storms and waves are slowly taking the land away, the site still helps us understand how people in Cornwall lived, protected themselves and built links with the wider world.
Everyone loves a good treasure story and at Dollar Cove, it might just be more than a tale. This stretch of beach got its name because silver coins, have been found there over the years.
Many ships have sunk off the Cornish coast, so it’s hard to know for sure which one dropped the treasure. Some think it might be the San Salvador, a Spanish ship wrecked nearby in 1669, but she was carrying timber, not treasure. Others point to the Vriday, a Dutch ship that went down in 1743, but she was full of wool. The real clue lies with a lesser-known Spanish ship: the Rio Nova.
In December 1802, the Rio Nova sank during a storm while sailing from Spain to London. On board was a cargo of fruit and around 19,000 silver dollars! When the ship hit the rocks, most of the crew jumped into the sea. Sadly, only a few survived. The wreck was reported in the Sherborne Mercury, which said that about 12,000 dollars were recovered. That leaves 7,000 still unaccounted for.
Ever since then, treasure hunters and curious beachcombers have visited Dollar Cove, hoping to spot a lost coin among the pebbles. Whether the rest of the dollars are hidden beneath the waves or buried deep in the sand, the legend of the ‘Dollar Wreck’ keeps the magic of the place alive.
Panoramas
Look ahead to spot the curve of the Iron Age rampart, once part of a strong barrier across the land.
To the left and right, steep cliffs drop to the sea, making it almost impossible for enemies to attack from those sides.
Gallery
Video Gallery
Gunwalloe Cliff Castle might not have towering walls or buildings to see today, but the land still holds important clues. The rampart made from earth and stone was once a strong defence and you can still follow its shape across the headland. Careful excavations have helped archaeologists learn more about who lived here and how they used the land. Visitors can enjoy the views and history, but it’s important to stick to paths and leave things as they are, so the site stays safe for the future.
This wild coastal spot is also home to some brilliant plants and animals. You might see sea pinks and thrift blooming in spring, or hear skylarks singing above the fields. In the grass and low shrubs, insects and small birds find places to feed and hide. Even lizards and butterflies enjoy the sunny cliffs. Keeping this area clean and undisturbed helps these species thrive alongside the history.
You can help protect Gunwalloe Cliff Castle by keeping to marked paths and not climbing on the earthworks. Take any litter home with you and leave plants, stones and artefacts where you find them – every piece is part of the story. By exploring carefully and respectfully, you’re helping to keep this special place safe for future visitors, wildlife and researchers too.
Archaeologists have worked hard to learn more about Gunwalloe Cliff Castle. Excavations in 2012 helped confirm that the ditch and bank were man-made, not natural. Careful research like this helps us understand how ancient people lived and why they chose this spot. The site is managed and owned by the National Trust, who work to keep the space tidy and accessible for everyone to enjoy.
But protecting the site isn’t easy. One of the biggest challenges is rapid coastal erosion. Wind, rain and waves are slowly wearing away the cliffs and taking parts of the site leading to the loss of archaeological layers and features including what may have been the original entrance which is visible on historic mapping. Despite its diminished visibility, Gunwalloe Cliff Castle remains a vital symbol of Cornwall’s prehistoric heritage, offering insights into the resilience and adaptability of ancient Cornish communities over time.
Gunwalloe Cliff Castle becomes Kastel Als Gwynnwalow in Cornish. It means kastel – castle, als – cliff and Gwynnwalow – a personal name.
Grid Ref: SW 65953 20469
Find with what3words: flotation.lunge.hospitals
Please visit the National Trust website for important visitor information here
Plan your visit with essential details on transport and parking options, available facilities, route descriptions and accessibility information to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience at any of our historical monuments.
When enjoying the countryside, it’s important to follow the Countryside Code to protect nature and preserve its beauty for everyone. This includes simple, respectful actions like not littering, always take your rubbish home or dispose of it properly in bins. Stick to designated paths to avoid damaging crops or wildlife habitats, and keep gates and property as you find them, whether open or closed. Be mindful of livestock and wildlife by keeping dogs under control and not disturbing animals. By following these guidelines, you contribute to the protection of the environment and ensure that others can enjoy the countryside as well.
Paths around the site are uneven and can be steep in places, so access may be difficult for visitors with limited mobility.
There are no facilities on site, but National Trust parking, toilets and café can be found nearby at the Church Cove.
Parking is available at Church Cove National Trust car park, just a short walk from the site.
You can play a part in preserving its beauty and history for future generations. Volunteering opportunities range from helping with conservation efforts to assisting with educational programmes and community events. Whether you have a passion for nature, history, or simply love the outdoors, there’s a way for you to contribute. Join us and make a difference while connecting with others who share your enthusiasm for Cornwall’s heritage.
Cornwall National Landscape is a non-profit organisation that conserves the unique landscapes, wildlife, and cultural heritage of Cornwall. Volunteering for the protected landscape provides a rewarding experience of giving back to the community and preserving the Cornwall's natural beauty.
Discover a wealth of knowledge in our Resources section, where you can download detailed research documents, reports, and source material compiled by our archaeology team to enhance your understanding of the site.
