Mullion Cove

The rugged little Victorian harbour at Mullion Cove is home to a diminutive stretch of beach. Set within the harbour walls this is both a stunning and unusual location. At high tide there isn't much in the way of a beach here, but as the tide goes out a good sized area of pebbly sand is revealed.

Beyond the granite harbour wall are towering cliffs and a series of intriguingly shaped islands just offshore. The largest of these is the trefoil shaped Mullion Island which is actually the result of volcanic activity - yet another example of the Lizard Peninsula's fascinating geology. The island and cliffs are a well known spot for breeding seabirds.

The cove was originally home to a small pilchard fleet and the old pilchard cellar still remains on the quayside. The harbour was built in the 1890s to protect the small boats and the thick walls certainly have their work cut out. Not many harbours in Cornwall face the full fury of the Atlantic storms quite like Mullion.

Today, Mullion Cove is owned by the National Trust and the area retains much of its charm. A few boats still work from the harbour and there is a little shop here where you can buy snacks.

It is well worth making the climb up the coast path to either side of the beach. Not only will you see a diversity of wild plants on the cliff tops, but the views back down to the cove are stunning.