Penlee Point
Penlee Point is one of the most beautiful walks in the country. It lies on the South West Coast Path, and the views all around the headland are incredible. If you’re staying at Blue Monkey Cornwall, you’re just minutes away from this stunning coastal walk.
What Is Penlee Point?
Penn Legh is Cornish for stone-slab headland and the point is a coastal headland southeast of the village of Rame in Southeast Cornwall, UK. The point lies at the entrance to Plymouth Sound, with its imposing lighthouse commanding views across the water.
Penlee Point is part of a small Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty known as the “Rame Head Heritage Coast” that also includes Cawsand Bay and the Mount Edgcumbe Country Park.
Penlee Point Walk: Distance, Time & Difficulty
Key Stats:
- Distance: 6-9.7 km (4-6 miles) depending on route
- Time: 1.5 to 3.5 hours
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Elevation gain: 150-235 meters
- Route type: Circular walk on the South West Coast Path
The walk is easily achievable for families and casual walkers, though some sections involve steady climbing. The terrain is mostly on established paths, with a few steep areas. There are no major obstacles, though the path can be muddy in places, particularly near woodland sections.
How to get to Penlee Point from Blue Monkey
If you’re staying at Blue Monkey in Cawsand, getting to Penlee Point is straightforward: turn right out of Blue Monkey and keep walking – the road will take you all the way to Penlee Point. It’s a scenic walk through the village, taking approximately 20-30 minutes on foot before you reach the coastal path.
Alternatively, there’s a Penlee Point car park if you prefer to drive (PL101LN).
What To See At Penlee Point
Queen Adelaide’s Grotto
Above the point and little below the stunning Coastal Path is Queen Adelaide’s Grotto, built in 1827/1828 to commemorate the visit of King William IV and Queen Adelaide to Mount Edgcumbe. Penlee Battery is the former site of a fort, and is now a nature reserve.
Penlee Battery Nature Reserve
A gun battery was constructed on Penlee Point in the late 1880s and used throughout both World Wars. It was initially armed with two 6-inch guns and a massive 13.5-inch gun, which weighed 67 tons and took eighty horses two weeks to haul it up a specially constructed flight of steps. On its first firing, the recoil from the gun split its concrete bed. The battery was decommissioned in the 1950s, and the buildings associated with it were demolished, but there are still enough remains to appreciate the scale of the defences. Wait around until low tide to see a private, hidden beach revealed. This is also where nature lovers can see the Green Darner Dragonfly, first seen in Britain here.
Rame Head
Penlee Point is part of a small Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty known as the “Rame Head Heritage Coast” that also includes Cawsand Bay and the Mount Edgcumbe Country Park.
Penlee Point Walk Tips
What To Bring
- Good walking boots (the path can be muddy)
- Waterproof jacket (weather changes quickly on the coast)
- Plenty of water and snacks
- Sun cream and hat (exposed headland with no shade)
- Camera for the views
Best Time To Visit
Spring (April-May): Wildflowers in bloom, milder weather, fewer crowds
Summer (June-August): Warmest weather, longest daylight, best for swimming at hidden beach, but busiest with visitors
Autumn (September-October): Blackberries, butterflies, and beautiful golden light; generally quieter than summer
Winter (November-March): Dramatic coastal views, fewer visitors, but shorter daylight and potentially muddy paths
Important: Stock Up Before You Go
Make sure you stock up with plenty to eat before you go. There are no facilities at Penlee Point itself, so pack a picnic lunch and snacks. You can grab supplies in Cawsand village beforehand.
Where To Eat In Cawsand
Try some of the great places to eat in Cawsand before or after your walk:
- The Bay Bar and Restaurant – Located on Cawsand Beach with sea views
- The Old Bakery – Traditional village spot
You can check what’s open here.
Where to stay: Blue Monkey Cornwall
Penlee Point is one of the most accessible coastal walks from Blue Monkey Cornwall, our luxury 5-bed self-catering holiday cottage in Cawsand. You can literally turn right out of the cottage and walk straight to Penlee Point – no car needed.
Blue Monkey is perfectly positioned as your base for exploring the Rame Peninsula, with easy access to:
- Penlee Point and Rame Head walks
- Mount Edgcumbe Country Park
- Three sandy beaches (Cawsand, Kingsand, The Cleave)
- Whitsand Bay (just a short drive)
- Village restaurants and shops
Book Your Penlee Point Adventure
Ready to explore one of Cornwall’s most beautiful walks? Blue Monkey Cornwall is your perfect base.
Contact us to book:
Call: 07845 468 487
Email: enquiries@bluemonkeycornwall.com