Krug Mont Edgcumbe
Set high on a coastal hill in Mount Edgcumbe Country Park, this Bronze Age burial mound has watched over the sea for more than 4,000 years an ancient reminder of how people once lived, their beliefs and how they remembered their dead.
The mound at Mount Edgcumbe Country Park is a bowl barrow, a type of burial monument from the Bronze Age (about 4,500–3,500 years old). It sits near a coastal headland between Plymouth Sound and the Hamoaze, offering wide views towards Plymouth.
The barrow is about 33 meters across and 3 meters high. Part of its northern slope was cut back in the 1970s to make space for a cricket pavilion. A ditch around the mound likely provided the soil used to build it, and this ditch is thought to still exist underground. There are no signs of major changes to the mound, so its core is probably intact. About 60 meters west, there is a raised area that might be another barrow.
The site was studied by the Royal Commission on the Historical Monuments of England (RCHME) in 1998 and again in 2021 during the Monumental Improvement Project. Both surveys found damage from burrowing animals and some surface wear from sheep and tree roots. These caused the mound to slump in places. The hollows have now been repaired to stabilize the barrow and restore its shape.
Mount Edgcumbe Barrow 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.
The barrow has given its name to the location Barrow Park. According to the Edgcumbe family records dating back to the early 17th century, Richard Edgcumbe agreed to rent Barrow Park and Barn Park to Andrew Edgcumbe for £30 on condition that he took both properties.
This monument is scheduled under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 as amended as it appears to the Secretary of State to be of national importance
Panoramas
Explore the View from Mount Edgcumbe Barrow
Gallery
Mount Edgcumbe Barrow survives as a large, grass-covered burial mound measuring around 33 metres across and 3 metres high. It stands near the edge of a headland within Mount Edgcumbe Country Park, with far-reaching views over Plymouth Sound. Though its quarry ditch is no longer visible, it is likely still preserved below ground. Mature trees now grow around the mound, forming a noticeable ‘clump’ that helps draw the eye to the site possibly a deliberate landscaping choice made in the past to enhance its prominence. Despite the surrounding parkland and nearby cricket pitch, the core of the barrow is thought to remain intact, making it an important archaeological feature in the modern landscape.
However, the barrow faces several ongoing risks. Sheep grazing has led to visible erosion on the lower slopes, while burrowing animals such as rabbits and possibly badgers have disturbed the mound’s structure beneath the surface. Part of the mound was also cut into during the 1970s when a cricket pavilion was built, reflecting a time when its historical significance wasn’t fully understood. Caring for the barrow means monitoring animal activity, managing vegetation and raising awareness of its Bronze Age origins so this ancient monument can be protected for future generations.
The barrow sits within Mount Edgcumbe’s grazed parkland, where the surrounding grassland supports a range of hardy plant species adapted to open, windswept conditions. Around the base of the mound, mature trees likely planted to create a scenic ‘clump’ provide shelter for birds and insects, while the grassy slopes are frequented by grazing sheep. Signs of animal burrows suggest that rabbits and possibly badgers are active in the area, which has both ecological and conservation implications. The mix of managed parkland, semi-natural grassland and woodland edge habitats makes this a valuable green space for local wildlife as well as an important historic landscape.
You can play a part in protecting this ancient site just by visiting thoughtfully. Please keep to the paths where possible and avoid climbing on the mound, as footsteps can damage the grass and speed up erosion.
Caring for Mount Edgcumbe Barrow involves ongoing work by heritage professionals, land managers and volunteers. The site is monitored for signs of erosion, animal disturbance and vegetation growth, with recommendations including temporary fencing to allow grass to regrow and careful repairs using materials from outside the protected area. Conservation plans have also looked at re-profiling slumped areas using sandbag techniques and re-seeding with grass to stabilise the mound. These practical efforts are guided by archaeological advice to make sure any repairs protect, rather than damage, what survives below the surface.
However, the site faces real challenges. Burrowing by animals especially rabbits and badgers can disturb the structure of the mound from within, while sheep grazing causes erosion on the lower slopes. The construction of the cricket pavilion in the 1970s, which cut into the barrow, reflects how vulnerable such sites can be when their significance is poorly understood. Today, new signage now helps visitors understand the importance of the monument, managing natural wear, balancing public access and responding to environmental pressures remains a careful and ongoing task.
Mount Edgcumbe Barrow becomes Krug Mont Edgcumbe in Cornish.
It means krug – tumulus and mont – mount.
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.
The barrow is located within Mount Edgcumbe Country Park and is accessible via grassed parkland paths. The ground around the monument is uneven in places, with some gentle slopes and areas affected by livestock activity, which may make access difficult for wheelchairs or those with limited mobility. There is no surfaced path directly to the barrow itself. Suitable footwear is recommended, especially in wet weather.
Mount Edgcumbe Country Park offers a range of visitor facilities including public toilets, a café and seating areas, located near the main house and formal gardens. The barrow is a short walk from these central facilities, but there are no benches, shelter or toilets directly at the monument site. Assistance dogs are welcome in the park.
Pay-and-display parking is available within Mount Edgcumbe Country Park, with several car parks located near the main entrance and formal gardens. From there, visitors can follow signposted walking routes through the park to reach the barrow. The nearest parking is approximately a 10–15 minute walk away across grassy terrain.
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. Contact us to find out more about how you can get involved!
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.
