02 – Pentire Point to Widemouth
Dinas S. Gwynnas
Perched on a narrow ridge above the sea near St Gennys, this mysterious site might once have been a mighty Iron Age fort.
The ‘knife edge’ ridge you can see on the north side of the steep valley below was scheduled in 1966 as the remains of an Iron Age Cliff Castle, with three defensive earth banks. However, study of the site suggests these defences only make sense if the majority of the interior has been eroded away by the sea. Geologists also believe that the ‘earthworks’ could be the results of slumping of the hillside and the whole feature could be explained by erosion. Whether the site is archaeological in nature or purely a natural feature, it is impressive site, with stunning views out over the dramatic cliffs.
St Gennys 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.
St Genny’s Cliff Castle is a curious and dramatic site that gives us a glimpse into Cornwall’s distant past. Thought to be an Iron Age promontory fort, it was first recorded as a protected monument in 1966. The remains include three large earth banks, but much of the site may have been lost to the sea over thousands of years. Some experts now believe the landscape itself shaped by landslides and cliff erosion may have created the dramatic features we see today. Whether made by people or nature, this clifftop site still tells an important story about how the land has changed over time and how we try to protect its history.
Panoramas
Gallery
Video Gallery
Explore this dramatic scenery and possible cliff castle from the comfort of your own home with our 3D model, created by merging lots of photos taken of the site from all angles.
St Genny’s Cliff Castle is a fragile place, perched on the edge of the coast where the sea is always shaping the land. Over time, waves, wind and rain have eaten away much of what may once have been an ancient fort. Because of this, the site is protected as a Scheduled Monument, which means it’s legally recognised as a place of national importance. Visitors are welcome to explore, but it’s important to stay on the paths and avoid climbing on the earthworks. Even a small step off-track can damage the ground or disturb wildlife. Looking after places like this helps keep the story of Cornwall’s past alive for everyone.
The clifftop around St Genny’s is home to hardy plants and animals that thrive in wild, windy conditions. You might spot sea thrift and gorse clinging to the rocky slopes, along with coastal grasses that sway in the breeze. Look out for birds like kestrels and ravens riding the updrafts and if you’re lucky, you could even see seals down on the shore below. This rugged habitat is full of life, perfectly suited to Cornwall’s dramatic north coast.
Visitors can help by following a few simple steps to protect this special place. Stick to marked paths to avoid damaging the fragile ground and plants. Don’t climb on the earth banks or move stones, as this can harm the archaeology. Take any litter home and leave nature as you found it. If you bring a dog, keep it on a lead near wildlife and always clean up after it.
Caring for St Genny’s Cliff Castle comes with both ongoing efforts and challenges. One of the main threats is coastal erosion, the sea has already worn away much of the site and that process is still happening. We are still trying to understand how much of the original fort has been lost and whether anything can be done to slow the damage. Another challenge is keeping the site safe from harm caused by visitors or animals, like people walking on the fragile earthworks or burrowing from wildlife. Conservation teams monitor the site, clear overgrowth and raise awareness to help protect what’s left. But with its remote location and steep slopes, it’s not always easy.
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Please visit the National Trust website for important visitor information here
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.
Due to its steep slopes and remote clifftop location, access to St Genny’s Cliff Castle is limited and may not be suitable for all visitors.
There are no facilities at the site, so please come prepared and take any litter home with you.
There is no dedicated parking at St Genny’s Cliff Castle. Limited on-road parking may be available in the nearby village however, please park considerately.
You can play a part in preserving Cornwall National Landscape’s 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. Scroll down and follow the links to our Volunteering Hub to find out more!
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.
