Pictures of Gunwalloe

About Gunwalloe

A place of dramatic vista's with a long history of shipwreck. This tiny exposed cove has a beach of sand and pebbles, and is backed by grassy dunes.

The St. Andrew, a Portuguese ship was wrecked here in 1525, in 1770 a search for its treasure led to the beach being 'mined' a later wreck in 1785 led to similar activities in the early part of the 19th-century. Today, the beach is often visited by treasure seekers but so far little, other than a few coins has been found. Legends, of smuggling and dark deeds are still swapped nightly by locals in nearby historic inns.

The coast along here is of great beauty, there are grassy promontories, dramatic headlands, sandy coves, and picturesque harbours. There is plenty of marine life, and rich and unusual wildlife. One of the most amazing sights is of the little church which has stood for centuries on the sands beneath a cliff. It is almost entirely surrounded by Tamarisk trees, Church Cove is one of the most peaceful spots of Gunwalloe.

This is perfect walking country, from the cliff paths the walker is rewarded with magical sea and coastal views. It is a sensuous place, even when all is calm, and the azure ocean is matched by clear blue skies, the view is evocative and you can easily imagine this part of the coast lashed by storms, with the ships of centuries being battered against the rocks.