Rocky Valley Labyrinths

Overview

Carved into the cliffs of Rocky Valley are two mysterious spiral designs known as labyrinths. They were first properly studied in 1955 by archaeologist Raleigh Radford, who thought they might be from the Bronze Age, around 4,500 to 2,800 years ago. Their patterns look very similar to other ancient carvings found across Europe.

But not everyone agrees. Because the carvings are so clear and well-preserved, some people think they could be more recent. The rock itself is quite soft, and the deep cuts show signs that they might have been made using modern tools rather than ancient ones.

Rocky Valley Labyrinths 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.

Historical Significance

The Rocky Valley labyrinths are unique. They are the only known examples of this type of carving anywhere in Cornwall, making them a very rare and special find. Even though we’re not sure exactly when they were made, their design connects them to an ancient tradition seen all across Europe.

Labyrinths like these have been carved into rocks, tombs and even coins. They often show one single, winding path leading to the centre and back out again, a bit like a journey through life itself. Some experts think they symbolised important ideas, like the path people take from birth to death, or the way ancient people moved through the land.