Force of Nature
On that unforgettable day 6 years ago, I was buffeted by gale force winds, as I walked on the headland, head bowed with hand clamped tightly on my cap.
The Land’s End Peninsula has around 30 gale days per year and gales are most frequent in the winter months, with over 65% of the winds being westerly.
A beloved landmark of England, Land’s End is famous for its unique location, natural splendour and stunning scenery. The headland is characterised by tarmac pathways, dusty and stony cliff paths and undulating gorse.
In winter, though the cliffs get chilly and extremely windy, it is still naturally beautiful.
Despite the harrowing experience, I was well and truly caught under its spell. So, when the opportunity presented itself last Christmas, I needed no further urging to visit Land’s End again.
Below are scenes of windy vs calm conditions from my two visits.
22 December 2015
The stormy sea created a swirling foam of sea water as it smashed against the pile of rocks known as the Armed Knight.
24 December 2021
It was not too windy and the sea appeared calm. Though it was cold, walking was a lot easier and we did not mind staying out longer to explore the various clifftop trails.
I have to admit that I was a little disappointed by the non-gale day. I had so wanted another walk-into-the-wind experience.
2015 – churning sea
2021 – gently breaking surf
2015 – dreary wintry day
2021 – blazing sun
2015 – blustery walk to the First and Last Inn
2021 – easy walk in the sun
Granite cliffs meet Atlantic waves
Land’s End was formed around 270 millions years ago, when a mass of boiling granite forced its way through the overlying softer rocks to the surface.
The constant action of the waves, wind and salt spray has formed rock arches, sea stacks, off-shore rock islands and rugged cliffs ranging in height from 61 to 122 meters high.
Source : Land’s End Cornwall
Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the north, south and west, Land’s End is the most westerly point of England (the tip of Cornwall).
It is the most visited outdoor spot in Cornwall thanks to its rugged coastline with spectacular high cliffs, breathtaking seascape views and a dramatic central moorland.
A short walk in either direction along the coastal path from the main complex offers fantastic ocean views. From the carpark, we turned left heading south to look for an old friend.
We reunited with the llama at Greeb Farm – a 200-year old restored Cornish farmstead.
It was good to see the animals grazing outside when the weather is mild.
We continued north, climbed some stone steps to rejoin the paved road towards Land’s End Hotel. By now, the sun was out in full force, bathing the landscape in vivid hues.
End to End Challenge
Established in the 1950s, the iconic Land’s End Signpost celebrates the amazing stories of people that have completed the epic 800-mile journey (walk, run, cycle or skateboard) from Land’s End to John O’Groats, and vice versa.
Longships Lighthouse
Just a mile offshore, waves pound the Longships reef and its lighthouse.
Originally built at Sennen Cove at the end of the 18th century, every single stone was dismantled and painstakingly re-assembled block by block at its current location.
Seagull photobomb
Not quite sunset yet, I was experimenting with some silhouette shots when a gull did a fly-past.
Verdict : Perfect silhouette
First and last port of call in West Cornwall
The First & Last Inn, one of the most legendary inns in Britain is famed more for its notorious reputation of being the headquarters of smugglers and wreckers, since the 17th century.
Today, the smugglers are long gone, but the evocative atmosphere and picturesque location makes it a must-visit.
Considered as the most westerly point of mainland England, Land's End is a headland and tourist and holiday complex in western Cornwall, England. Nature lovers will enjoy exploring the coastal landscape, clifftop trails and wildlife. The 60-metre-high granite cliffs is an excellent spot to look out over the Celtic Sea for ghostly ships (more than 130 shipwrecks have been recorded off the coast here), or marine wildlife, including seals, dolphins and huge basking sharks, which trawl for plankton on their summer journey up Britain’s west coast. Besides nature attractions, there is also a theme park at the visitor complex offering immersive interactive experiences for families, souvenir shops, traditional Cornish pastries, hotels and restaurants.
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