Gribbin Head Daymark
A striking red and white daymark on Cornwall's coast, offering panoramic views and a rewarding hike along the South West Coast Path.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blooming wildflowers, fewer crowds
Gribbin Head Daymark
Best Time
Blooming wildflowers, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A striking red and white daymark on Cornwall's coast, offering panoramic views and a rewarding hike along the South West Coast Path.
"The views from the hill are stunning, as are the views on the way there."
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The coastal path can be slippery and steep, especially after rain. Wear good walking shoes!
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
There are no facilities at the top, so bring provisions for your hike and a picnic.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Daymark
Summit of Gribbin Head
A striking 1832-built daymark, it guides ships into the Fowey estuary. Its unique red and white bands stand out against the blue sea.
Panoramic Coastal Views
Summit of Gribbin Head
Breathtaking vistas of St Austell Bay, the Fowey estuary, and the rugged Cornish coastline await.
Polridmouth Cove
Base of Gribbin Head
A picturesque cove offering a tranquil spot to rest before or after the climb to the daymark.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Coastal Path
Parking and Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The coastal path can be slippery and steep, especially after rain. Wear good walking shoes! +1
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
There are no facilities at the top, so bring provisions for your hike and a picnic.
🚗 Smart Parking Choice
Opt for the marked grass car park to potentially avoid the steepest cliff path ascent.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The views are spectacular from the top and along the coastal path. Don't forget your camera!
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The coastal path can be slippery and steep, especially after rain. Wear good walking shoes! +1
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
There are no facilities at the top, so bring provisions for your hike and a picnic.
🚗 Smart Parking Choice
Opt for the marked grass car park to potentially avoid the steepest cliff path ascent.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The views are spectacular from the top and along the coastal path. Don't forget your camera!
🚶♀️ Coastal Path Access
Easily accessible from Fowey, offering a scenic walk to the daymark.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking views and the unique charm of the Gribbin Head Daymark. The challenging coastal path walk is often described as rewarding, with many enjoying the picnic opportunities at the summit. Some find the steep ascents difficult, and the lack of facilities can be a minor inconvenience.
"I parked at the Coombe Haven car park and wandered down through the woods to Polridmouth Cove, and then a short but quite hard accent to the top. Excellent view of St Austell bay"
Robert Birley
"Worth the walk. Beautiful scenery and the parking is only 50p!"
Jerry Harris
"A beautiful structure on the coastal path. I visited from Fowey, which took almost an hour at a good pace. The approach to the building is very steep, but there are a couple of benches up the top to rest. Other than that, there is only a small plaque with some history of the building. The views from the hill are stunning, as are the views on the way there."
Sam Liddicoat
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Gribbin Head Daymark is accessible via the South West Coast Path. You can park at Coombe Haven car park or a marked grass car park. The walk from Fowey is approximately an hour at a good pace. +2
Yes, there is parking available. Coombe Haven car park is an option, and a marked grass car park can help avoid the steepest parts of the cliff path. Parking fees are typically very low.
Absolutely! Walking from Fowey is a popular option, taking about an hour at a brisk pace and offering beautiful coastal scenery.
The terrain involves significant ups and downs, with some very steep sections and steps. Sturdy footwear is highly recommended. +1
While parts of the coastal path might be manageable, the steep and uneven terrain makes it challenging for cycling. It's primarily a walking destination.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no admission fees to visit Gribbin Head Daymark or access the surrounding coastal path. It's a free public access area.
Gribbin Head Daymark and the surrounding coastal path are open year-round, accessible at any time.
Parking fees are minimal, often around 50p, depending on the car park.
While the area is accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to the challenging terrain and lack of lighting. Stick to daylight hours for safety.
Yes, Gribbin Head Daymark is owned by the National Trust, but access to the daymark and coastal path is free.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main attractions are the daymark itself, the stunning panoramic views, and enjoying the coastal walk. It's ideal for picnics and photography.
There are no facilities like restrooms or shops at the summit. Benches are available for resting.
Built in 1832 by Trinity House, it served as a daymark to guide ships into the Fowey estuary and distinguish the headland from Dodman Point.
Yes, the dramatic coastline, the unique daymark, and the expansive views make it a fantastic spot for photography.
Drone usage may be restricted by the National Trust. It's advisable to check their guidelines before flying.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly at Gribbin Head. You'll find options in nearby Fowey or St Austell.
Yes, Gribbin Head is an ideal spot for a picnic, with beautiful views to enjoy your meal.
Don't miss trying a traditional Cornish pasty from a local bakery like Barnecutts.
While there are no cafes directly on the path to the daymark, you might find options in Fowey or other coastal villages.
Yes, you can bring your own drinks for a picnic, but please be responsible and take all your litter with you.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) offers beautiful light for capturing the daymark and coastline.
You can capture wide-angle coastal landscapes, close-ups of the daymark, and dynamic shots of the sea and sky. 
The summit offers the most expansive views. Experiment with different angles from the coastal path as you ascend.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, and a telephoto lens can be useful for capturing details of the coastline or distant boats.
Yes, Polridmouth Cove provides a different perspective, allowing you to frame the daymark against the sea and cliffs.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
📸 Photographers
The approach via the coastal path also provides numerous scenic viewpoints for capturing the journey. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Purpose of Gribbin Head Daymark
Owned by the National Trust, the daymark is a protected landmark that continues to draw visitors. While its active navigational role has diminished with modern technology, it remains a significant historical monument and a picturesque focal point on the South West Coast Path. Its presence adds a layer of historical depth to the already stunning natural beauty of the area, offering a glimpse into Cornwall's maritime past.
Exploring the South West Coast Path to Gribbin Head
Travelers frequently mention the approach from Polridmouth Cove as particularly demanding, involving a steep ascent. However, alternative routes exist, including a marked grass car park that can help mitigate the most strenuous climbs. The path itself is well-trodden, but sturdy walking shoes are a must. Many visitors recommend bringing plenty of water and snacks, as amenities are scarce along this stretch of the path.
Beyond the physical challenge, the walk provides ample opportunities for photography and enjoying the natural environment. The diverse flora, including blooming wildflowers in spring, adds to the charm. The path offers varied perspectives of the coastline, making the entire journey as memorable as the destination itself.
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