 |  |
|
You are here: Home > Attractions - North Coast > Crackington Haven    En Route Attractions - Crackington Haven Whichever way you arrive at Crackington Haven you can't fail to be impressed with the almost unrivalled panoramas. Hemmed in tightly below the towering dark cliffs of Pencarrow to the east and the expansive jutting headland of the Cambeak to the West, the steep sided cliff tops are awash with heather and gorse drawing you down into the little lush valley far below containing the village. Crackington Haven itself is little more than a smattering of dwellings only separated from the shingle beach by the road where it bridges the mouth of the steam that actually flows onto the beach and out into the Atlantic Rollers. This tiny place was a former port trading in slate and the Coombe Barton Inn was the former Quarry master's house. The "free trade" of the smugglers continued in the coves to both sides of the village, with records of armed pirates and wreckers as far back as 1342. Inland a scattering of cottages climb the hillside above the rolling valley including 3 thatched former yeoman residences which would have been Cornish longhouses with family and livestock together under one roof. The beach itself is tucked in between fascinating rock formations with huge slabs dominating the western edge of the beach and impressive distorted zigzag strata beds below the towering cliffs to the east. 2 small café's, a pub and hotel provide basic but welcome facilities and for those that are mesmerised by the rolling surf there is the chance to cool off and hire out a wetsuit and board and play below the cliffs in this well sheltered and atmospheric harbour. The beach can feel quite busy during the day in high season but for those on an overnight stay as the day trippers leave you will enjoy a tranquil and unspoilt atmosphere underneath the majestic cliffs on a beach only yards away from your bed. If energy allows, a pre dinner wander back up the cliffs to Pencarrow head will give rise to fantastic end of day views towards the sunset or you can take a stroll up one of inland wooded valleys to visit the church of St Genny's and its holy well where the locals were known as the "St Genny Wrestlers and Wreckers". The tiny hamlet occupies a haunting position in the lee of cliffs circling with kestrel and buzzard and if you like bizarre, the churchyard is so steep that one of its paths is almost level with the roof !
Home | News | Canoeing | Cycling | Walking | Short Breaks | Group Days | Spa Treatments | Gift Vouchers | Bookings | Accommodation | Attractions - South Coast | Attractions - North Coast | Lerryn | Contact Us | Links | Testimonials | Site Map | Spanish Apartment
|
