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Beach

Cornwall, England

Gribbin Head

Gribbin Head is a prominent headland south of Fowey on the south Cornish coast, topped by a distinctive red and white banded daymark (navigation tower) owned by the National Trust.

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  • Day use
  • Hike In
Gribbin Head

About this place

Gribbin Head is a prominent headland south of Fowey on the south Cornish coast, topped by a distinctive red and white banded daymark (navigation tower) owned by the National Trust. The coves and beaches immediately below and around the headland are accessible via the SW Coast Path and Daphne du Maurier Country — the area between Fowey and Par that inspired much of the novelist's work.

The sheltered coves on the eastern and southern faces of Gribbin Head have informal C/O character among the Fowey and South Cornwall outdoor community. The St Austell Bay water quality in this area is good, and the combination of the dramatic headland scenery, the NT land access, and the distance from main beach car parks creates quiet conditions. The daymark at the summit is a 15-minute walk from the coves below.

Visitor notes

Contributed by ClothingOptional.org Editorial Team

Who visits

Fowey area visitors, South Cornwall naturists, NT walkers exploring the headland.

How to find it

Access from the Polkerris or Menabilly area via SW Coast Path or NT footpaths to Gribbin Head. NT permit may be required for parts of the access path — check at Fowey.

Things to watch out for

Cliff access to the coves can be steep and informal. Tidal considerations. The NT manages this land and asks visitors to respect the farming and conservation management.

Last updated

Etiquette & ground rules

Informal C/O below an NT headland. Keep the area clean — NT property.

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