Description

Penberth Cove sits at the mouth of the Penberth River, which is often little more than a stream that flows to the sea across the rocks.

Around 4.5 nautical miles along the South Coast from Land’s End, Penberth Cove is one of the last remaining traditional fishing coves in Cornwall.

Historically, Penberth was popular for catching pilchards, which were pressed for oil close by. Today, the small local industry catches things like mackerel, lobster and crab instead.

The cove itself is formed primarily from boulders, with a small section built with cobblestones set to create a smoother slipway area.

Access for vehicles is extremely limited, so the slip is only suitable for hand launched vessels. At the head of the slipway, there is a chain running across, which is used for securing local fishing boats, but which also causes an obstruction for vehicles.

Signs on the nearby roads state that road access is for “residen’t cars only”, so it is unlikely that vehicle access is possible at all.

Facilities in the cove are similarly limited, so if you plan to visit we recommend coming by sea in a small boat and bringing everything you need with you. Otherwise, the cove is best accessed by walking.