Trencrom Hill - Image 1
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Trencrom Hill

4.9
·208 reviews·Ludgvan, United Kingdom

An ancient hill fort offering breathtaking 360-degree views of Cornwall's north and south coasts, steeped in giant folklore.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Clear mornings

Best visibility for stunning views

CrowdLow
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Trencrom Hill - Image 1

Trencrom Hill

Best Time

Clear mornings

Best visibility for stunning views

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An ancient hill fort offering breathtaking 360-degree views of Cornwall's north and south coasts, steeped in giant folklore.

4.9
(208 reviews)

"Gorgeous views in every direction from the summit; well worth the visit."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear

Paths vary from uneven to steep; good grip is essential for a safe and enjoyable climb. :athletic_shoe:

💧 Pack Water & Snacks

No facilities on site, so come prepared with all your essentials for the climb and summit. :water_wave:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Summit Views

Summit Views

Summit

Unrivaled 360-degree vistas of St Ives Bay, Mount's Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean.

Iron Age Hill Fort

Iron Age Hill Fort

Hilltop

Explore the remnants of this ancient defensive settlement, a testament to thousands of years of human history.

Giant's Cradle Rock

Giant's Cradle Rock

Near summit

A unique rock formation steeped in local folklore, said to be a cradle for giants.

Natural Spring

Natural Spring

Base of Westerly Rock

Discover a natural spring that has provided refreshment for millennia.

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Planning Your Visit

Prepare for Panoramic Views

Trencrom Hill offers breathtaking 360-degree views of both the north and south Cornish coasts. The summit is exposed, so dress for the weather. Wear sturdy shoes as paths can be uneven and steep. There are no facilities, so bring water and snacks.

Embrace the Ancient Atmosphere

This ancient hill fort and Neolithic settlement has a rich history and folklore, with tales of giants and spriggans. Take time to explore the natural spring and imagine life here thousands of years ago. It's a peaceful escape from typical tourist spots.

Best Times

When
Clear mornings
Why
Best visibility for stunning views
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light on the landscape
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer visitors, more peaceful
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Trencrom Hill: Where Giants Once Roamed Step into the myth and magic of Trencrom Hill, a site steeped in history and Cornwall’s most enchanting folklore. Once a Neolithic settlement and later an Iron Age hill fort, Trencrom is also said to have been home to giants—towering figures who shaped the land, played games with enormous stones like Bowl Rock, and buried treasure deep beneath its granite ...
darkcornwall
994 likes • 33.9K views

👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear

Paths vary from uneven to steep; good grip is essential for a safe and enjoyable climb. :athletic_shoe:

💧 Pack Water & Snacks

No facilities on site, so come prepared with all your essentials for the climb and summit. :water_wave:

Trencrom Hill #hillfort #cornwall #kernow #stonesofkernow #stoneclub
stonesofkernow
140 likes • 1.1K views
Please don't ever get too old for a Trencrom Hill stank and a Milkshake guys 🍂🥤💜
kymie_haylett_hitchens
3 likes • 69 views

🚗 Limited Parking

The small car park fills up quickly; consider arriving early or exploring alternative routes. :car:

🗺️ Explore Different Paths

Choose a route to suit your fitness level; less strenuous options are available. :hiking_boot:

Trencrom Hill, Nr Penzance #cornwall #wetsunday #outforastroll
piskey_camper
10 likes • 240 views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear

Paths vary from uneven to steep; good grip is essential for a safe and enjoyable climb. :athletic_shoe:

💧 Pack Water & Snacks

No facilities on site, so come prepared with all your essentials for the climb and summit. :water_wave:

🚗 Limited Parking

The small car park fills up quickly; consider arriving early or exploring alternative routes. :car:

🗺️ Explore Different Paths

Choose a route to suit your fitness level; less strenuous options are available. :hiking_boot:

📸 Capture Coast-to-Coast

The summit offers views of both north and south coasts – a photographer's dream! :camerawithflash:

What Travellers Say

4.9
(208 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Trencrom Hill for its breathtaking panoramic views and its rich historical and folkloric significance. Many appreciate it as a less crowded alternative to more popular tourist spots, offering a peaceful escape and a connection to ancient Cornwall. Some note the limited parking and the challenging nature of the paths.

"This is tucked away and not one of the normal tourist destinations. There is a small carpark. There are several paths to the top so choose one to suit. I would think that it is not accessible by wheel chair due to the paths which vary between uneven to difficult.
At the top, on a clear day, you will be rewarded by great views, including both Cornish coasts.
This is an ancient site, used thousands of years ago. So clamber up, enjoy the views and pause for thought.
There are no facilities available so go prepared!"

Stuart Cross

"Gorgeous views in every direction from the summit. Easy to spot landmarks such as St Michael's Mount and sandy beaches. Interesting archeologically important aspect too and well worth the visit. There is a direct route from the very small car park which is quite steep but there are also less strenuous routes (there's a map in the car park to show these)."

S W

"Very relaxing walk. Started at St Erth station and looped over hill to Carbis Bay. Plenty of other paths to fit your start point. Views are great and ideal spot to take a picnic."

John Thornton

What People Like

Spectacular 360-degree views
Rich history and folklore
Peaceful, less crowded atmosphere

What People Dislike

Limited parking
Steep and uneven paths

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Trencrom Hill is located near Penzance in West Cornwall. There's a small car park at the base, making it accessible by car. Some visitors start their walk from St Erth station or loop from Carbis Bay, enjoying longer hikes. :car: :train:

While there isn't direct public transport to the summit, you can reach nearby areas like St Erth or Carbis Bay by train and then embark on a walk or cycle to Trencrom Hill. :train:

You can take a direct, steeper route from the car park or opt for less strenuous, winding paths that offer a more gradual ascent. A map in the car park can help you choose. :hiking_boot:

Yes, cycling is a great option, especially if you're coming from nearby coastal towns. The surrounding lanes offer scenic routes, and you can explore the hill itself on foot. :bicycle:

Unfortunately, due to the uneven and steep nature of the paths, Trencrom Hill is generally not considered accessible for wheelchairs. :wheelchair:

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Trencrom Hill is a natural site and entry is free. You can visit and explore its ancient landscape and stunning views without any admission fee. :ticket:

Trencrom Hill is open to visitors at all times, as it's an open natural landscape. You can visit dawn till dusk, but be mindful of daylight for your climb and descent. :clock1:

Yes, there is a small car park located at the base of the hill. It can get busy, especially during peak times, so arriving early is recommended. :car:

There are no facilities such as toilets, cafes, or visitor centers at Trencrom Hill. Visitors are advised to come prepared with their own provisions. :waterwave: :knifefork_plate:

Yes, Trencrom Hill is a National Trust site, ensuring its preservation for future generations to enjoy its historical and natural significance. :housewithgarden:

📸 📸 Photography

The summit offers incredible panoramic shots of both the north and south Cornish coasts, including St Ives Bay and Mount's Bay. The rock formations and ancient earthworks also make for compelling close-ups. :camerawithflash:

Early mornings and late afternoons provide the best light for photography, with golden hour casting a beautiful glow over the landscape. Clear days are essential for maximizing the coastal views. :sunrise: :city_sunset:

Drone usage may be restricted due to its status as a National Trust site and potential impact on wildlife and other visitors. Always check local regulations and National Trust guidelines before flying. :drone:

A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the expansive coastal panoramas. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details on the distant coastline. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions. :camera:

The main summit provides the most comprehensive views. However, exploring the various rock formations and the ancient ramparts can yield unique photographic perspectives. :camerawithflash:

🎫 ⛰️ Onsite Experience

You can enjoy a rewarding hike to the summit for spectacular views, explore the ancient hill fort and its earthworks, and discover the natural spring. It's a great spot for a picnic and quiet contemplation. :hikingboot: :picnictable:

The climb can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your chosen route and fitness level. Allow extra time at the summit to soak in the views. :clock1:

Absolutely! The summit offers a stunning backdrop for a picnic. Just remember to take all your rubbish with you to preserve the natural beauty. :picnic_table: :sparkles:

Trencrom Hill is an important archaeological site, featuring evidence of Neolithic settlement and an Iron Age hill fort. It's also rich in Cornish folklore, with tales of giants and spriggans. :scroll: :myth:

Dogs are welcome at Trencrom Hill, but they must be kept on a lead, especially during nesting seasons and around livestock. Please be a responsible dog owner. :dog:

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Trencrom Hill offers a fantastic adventure for families, combining a manageable hike with captivating local folklore. The climb itself can be an exciting challenge for children, and the panoramic views from the summit are sure to impress. TikTok Encourage them to imagine giants playing games with the rocks or spriggans hiding amongst the ancient earthworks. Instagram Remember to pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as there are no facilities on site. Reddit Sturdy shoes are a must for little feet navigating the uneven paths. TikTok

🚶 Hikers and Nature Lovers

For hikers, Trencrom Hill provides a rewarding ascent with spectacular rewards. The varied paths offer different levels of challenge, and the summit's 360-degree views are a major draw. Reddit You can easily incorporate Trencrom into a longer walk, perhaps starting from St Erth station or linking it with other coastal paths. Reddit The natural spring and the ancient hill fort add layers of interest beyond just the scenery. Reddit Pack a picnic to fully enjoy the serene atmosphere at the top. Reddit

📸 Photographers

Trencrom Hill is a photographer's paradise, especially on a clear day. The sweeping coastal vistas, encompassing both St Ives Bay and Mount's Bay, offer incredible opportunities for landscape photography. Instagram Aim for sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic light, transforming the scenery with golden hues. Instagram Don't forget to capture the unique rock formations and the textures of the ancient earthworks for more intimate shots. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Folklore of Trencrom Hill

Trencrom Hill is deeply woven into the fabric of Cornish folklore, most famously as the supposed home of giants. Legends speak of these colossal beings shaping the landscape, with formations like the 'Giant's Cradle' serving as supposed evidence of their presence. TikTokInstagram This mystical past adds an enchanting layer to the visitor experience, inviting imagination to roam alongside the stunning natural beauty. Instagram

Beyond giants, the hill is also associated with 'spriggans,' mischievous Cornish fairy folk often depicted as guardians of ancient treasures. Instagram These tales contribute to Trencrom's reputation as a place of mystery and ancient power. Exploring the hill, especially on a misty day, can truly evoke a sense of stepping into a mythical realm, where the whispers of old stories seem to linger on the wind. TikTok

Many visitors find the folklore adds a unique dimension to their visit, transforming a simple hike into an adventure through legend. It's a reminder that this landscape has been a source of wonder and storytelling for centuries, connecting the present-day visitor to a rich cultural heritage. Instagram

Navigating Trencrom Hill: Paths and Parking

Reaching the summit of Trencrom Hill is an adventure in itself, with several path options catering to different abilities. The most direct route from the small car park is quite steep, offering a challenging but quick ascent. Reddit For those seeking a more leisurely climb, alternative paths wind their way up the hill, providing a gentler gradient and a more extended exploration of the terrain. Reddit A map available in the car park can help you choose the best route for your needs. Reddit

The car park at Trencrom Hill is limited, a common point mentioned by visitors. Reddit Due to its size, it can fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist seasons or on clear, popular days. Arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon can increase your chances of securing a spot. Instagram Some visitors opt to start their journey from nearby locations like St Erth station or Carbis Bay, incorporating Trencrom Hill into a longer walk or cycle, which also bypasses potential parking issues. Reddit

It's important to note that the paths can be uneven and at times difficult, making Trencrom Hill generally unsuitable for wheelchairs or those with significant mobility challenges. Reddit Wearing sturdy, grippy footwear is highly recommended to ensure a safe and comfortable experience as you traverse the ancient landscape. TikTok

The Geological and Archaeological Significance

Trencrom Hill is a site of considerable geological and archaeological importance. Its prominent position in West Cornwall has made it a strategic location for human settlement for millennia. Evidence points to habitation dating back to the Neolithic period, with later development into a significant Iron Age hill fort. TikTok The earthworks and ramparts are still visible, offering a tangible connection to the people who lived and defended this land thousands of years ago. Reddit

The hill's geology also plays a role in its unique character. The presence of natural springs, such as the one found at the base of the Westerly Rock, has been a vital resource for both ancient inhabitants and the local ecosystem. Reddit The distinctive rock formations, like the 'Giant's Cradle,' are not only points of folklore but also geological features shaped by natural processes over vast periods. Instagram

As a National Trust site, Trencrom Hill is managed to preserve its historical integrity and natural beauty. Reddit Visitors are encouraged to tread lightly and appreciate the layers of history and natural processes that have shaped this remarkable landscape, making it a place of both scenic beauty and profound historical depth. Reddit

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