St Austell Sky Tip - Church Spire with Clouds
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St Austell Sky Tip

4.6
·491k reviews·St Austell, United Kingdom

A striking man-made mountain of china clay waste, offering unique landscapes and panoramic views of Cornwall's industrial heritage.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring mornings

Clearer skies, vibrant green

CrowdLow
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St Austell Sky Tip - Church Spire with Clouds

St Austell Sky Tip

Best Time

Spring mornings

Clearer skies, vibrant green

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A striking man-made mountain of china clay waste, offering unique landscapes and panoramic views of Cornwall's industrial heritage.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"A unique landmark formed from mining waste, offering fascinating industrial heritage and sweeping views."

Vertical photo
TIP

Wear sturdy shoes

The terrain is uneven; good walking shoes are a must for comfort and safety. :athletic_shoe:

Check weather forecasts

Cornwall's weather can change quickly. Dress in layers for a comfortable visit. :cloud:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Great Treverbyn Tip

The Great Treverbyn Tip

A striking man-made mountain of china clay waste, offering unique landscapes and views.

Instagram
Panoramic Countryside Views

Panoramic Countryside Views

Ascend for sweeping vistas of the Cornish countryside and surrounding clay mining areas.

Instagram
Industrial Heritage Landmark

Industrial Heritage Landmark

Explore a testament to Cornwall's rich china clay mining history and its impact on the landscape.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Understand the 'Sky Tip'

The St Austell Sky Tip, also known as the Great Treverbyn Tip or China Clay Mountain, is a unique landmark formed from mining waste. It's not a traditional tourist attraction but a fascinating industrial heritage site offering panoramic views. Reddit

Best Footwear for Exploration

While not a strenuous hike, sturdy walking shoes are recommended for navigating the uneven terrain around the Sky Tip. The ground can be loose, especially after rain, so comfortable footwear will enhance your experience. Reddit

Best Times

When
Spring mornings
Why
Clearer skies, vibrant green
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Hawaiian / Polynesian food in Powder Springs, Ga. BIG TOKO barbecue 3980 Austell Powder Springs RD SW, Powder Springs GA. Follow their IG @bigtokobarbeque #atl #atlanta #atlfoodie #atlantafood #atlfoodreview #hawaiianfood #austell #georgia #powdersprings #atlantarestaurants #atlantafoodtruck #atlfoodies
@thatonesailorscout
11.9K likes • 120.6K views

Wear sturdy shoes

The terrain is uneven; good walking shoes are a must for comfort and safety. :athletic_shoe: Reddit

Check weather forecasts

Cornwall's weather can change quickly. Dress in layers for a comfortable visit. :cloud:

Come see what the hype is all about! The Normal Barbers is located in Austell, GA. A power house with 20 male and female barbers and one hair color specialist! #barberlife #barberconnect #beautifulhair #barber #Lifestyle #dropfade #atlantabarber #haircare #powderspringsbarber #texture #skinfade #womenshair #menshairstyle #hairpost #womenbarber #salonandbarbershop #salon #mexicanbarber #austellbarb...
@thenormalbarbers
8.2K likes • 250.1K views
#newdesign #greattreverbyntip #staustell #thepyramid #chinaclay #countryside #digitalart #digitalillustration #illustration #boldcolour #creative #design #graphics #supportsmallbusiness #digitalartist #cornishbird #kernowlife #landmark
cornishbirdinthesticks
67 likes • 0 views

Respect the landscape

This is a former industrial site. Stick to paths and avoid disturbing the environment. :evergreen_tree:

Bring a camera

Capture the unique textures and expansive views of this unusual landmark. :camerawithflash:

#explore #altitudetrampolinepark #shooting #austellgeorgia God was watching over us!!!
@ladyiamfirst
1.7K likes • 1.7M views

Tips

from all over the internet

Wear sturdy shoes

The terrain is uneven; good walking shoes are a must for comfort and safety. :athletic_shoe: Reddit

Check weather forecasts

Cornwall's weather can change quickly. Dress in layers for a comfortable visit. :cloud:

Respect the landscape

This is a former industrial site. Stick to paths and avoid disturbing the environment. :evergreen_tree:

Bring a camera

Capture the unique textures and expansive views of this unusual landmark. :camerawithflash:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the St Austell Sky Tip a unique and visually striking landmark, appreciating its industrial heritage and panoramic views. While not a traditional tourist attraction, its unusual landscape and historical significance make it a point of interest for those exploring Cornwall's mining past. Some find the terrain challenging, emphasizing the need for appropriate footwear.

What People Like

Unique industrial landscape
Panoramic countryside views
Fascinating heritage site

What People Dislike

Uneven terrain
Lack of facilities

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Sky Tip is located near St Austell, Cornwall. Access is typically via local roads. While there isn't a dedicated car park, visitors often find parking in nearby areas and walk to the site. Reddit

Public transport options to the immediate vicinity of the Sky Tip are limited. It's best to check local bus routes for St Austell and then plan for a walk or taxi. Reddit

There is no direct road access or designated parking at the summit of the Sky Tip. Visitors usually park in the surrounding areas and approach on foot. Reddit

Many visitors approach from the Carluddon area. The terrain can be uneven, so a short walk from a parking spot is usually involved. Reddit

Signage directly to the Sky Tip itself is minimal. It's more of a local landmark recognized by those familiar with the area. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the St Austell Sky Tip is an open landscape and does not require an entrance ticket. It's freely accessible to the public. Reddit

As an outdoor natural landmark, the Sky Tip is accessible at any time. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and visibility. Reddit

There is no admission fee to visit the St Austell Sky Tip. It's a unique part of the Cornish landscape. Reddit

While technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to uneven terrain and lack of lighting, which can be hazardous. Reddit

The main restriction is to respect the environment. Stick to paths where possible and avoid disturbing the landscape, as it's a former industrial site. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The St Austell Sky Tip, also known as the Great Treverbyn Tip, is a large mound of waste material from the china clay industry, creating a unique, almost mountainous landscape. InstagramReddit

Visitors can walk around the base or ascend for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the historic clay mining areas. It's a great spot for photography. InstagramReddit

Children can visit, but adult supervision is essential due to the uneven terrain. It's more of an exploration and viewing experience than a playground. Reddit

There are no facilities directly at the Sky Tip. You'll need to visit St Austell or nearby villages for amenities like toilets and cafes. Reddit

Expect expansive views of the Cornish countryside, the distinctive white clay spoil heaps, and potentially glimpses of the coast on a clear day. InstagramReddit

📸 📸 Photography

The unique textures of the clay spoil, the scale of the man-made mountain, and the panoramic vistas offer excellent photographic opportunities. The 'pyramid' shape is particularly striking. InstagramReddit

Late afternoon during the 'golden hour' provides beautiful light that highlights the textures and colours of the landscape. Clear mornings also offer good visibility. Instagram

Experiment with wide-angle shots to capture the scale of the tip, and closer shots to focus on the unique textures of the clay. The summit offers the best panoramic views. Instagram

A camera with good dynamic range is beneficial to capture both the bright sky and the shadowed textures of the tip. A wide-angle lens is also useful. Instagram

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local drone laws and ensure you have any necessary permissions before flying. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The St Austell Sky Tip can be an interesting educational outing for families, offering a glimpse into Cornwall's industrial past. While it's not a playground, children might be fascinated by the sheer size of the man-made mountain and the unique landscape. Ensure children wear sturdy shoes and are supervised closely due to the uneven terrain. It’s a good opportunity to talk about mining and how landscapes are shaped by industry. Reddit

Pack snacks and drinks, as there are no facilities on-site. The open space allows for exploration, but always keep an eye on little ones to ensure they stay safe on the slopes. The views from the top can be a rewarding experience for the whole family after a short climb. Reddit

🚶 Hikers & Nature Enthusiasts

For those who appreciate unique landscapes and industrial heritage, the Sky Tip offers a distinct experience. While not a challenging hike, the uneven terrain requires good walking boots and a sense of adventure. The panoramic views are a significant draw, providing a different perspective on Cornwall's natural beauty, shaped by human activity. InstagramReddit

This is an opportunity to explore a less-trodden path and appreciate the scale of the china clay industry. Photographers will find ample opportunities to capture the stark beauty and textures of the spoil heaps. Remember to check the weather and dress appropriately for an outdoor excursion. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History of the China Clay Industry

The St Austell Sky Tip is a direct product of Cornwall's significant china clay industry. For centuries, this region has been a major global supplier of kaolin, a white clay used in ceramics, paper, paint, and pharmaceuticals. The extraction process involves hollowing out the earth, leaving behind vast quantities of waste material known as 'pit heaps' or 'tips'. These artificial mountains are a defining feature of the Cornish landscape and a testament to the area's industrial past. Reddit

These tips, like the Great Treverbyn Tip, are not natural formations but are meticulously built from the excavated clay waste. Over time, vegetation has begun to colonize some of these slopes, creating a unique, albeit stark, natural environment. The sheer scale of these operations has shaped the topography and economy of Cornwall for generations, and the Sky Tip stands as a prominent example of this enduring legacy. Reddit

Visiting the Sky Tip offers a chance to connect with this industrial heritage. It’s a landscape shaped by human endeavor, now slowly being reclaimed by nature. The visual impact is undeniable, offering a different perspective on the beauty of Cornwall beyond its coastlines and moors. Instagram

Exploring the Landscape

The St Austell Sky Tip presents a unique walking experience. Unlike traditional hiking trails, the terrain here is characterized by loose gravel, clay spoil, and uneven surfaces. Sturdy footwear is essential, as mentioned by many visitors, to ensure a safe and comfortable exploration. Reddit

As you ascend, the views open up dramatically. You'll see the vastness of the china clay pits and the surrounding rolling hills of Cornwall. Some visitors have noted a small Cornish flag at the summit, adding a touch of local pride to the industrial monument. Reddit The landscape is starkly beautiful, with the white of the clay contrasting against the green of any encroaching vegetation and the blue of the sky. It’s a photographer’s dream, offering dramatic textures and expansive panoramas. Instagram

While there are no marked trails in the traditional sense, the general consensus is to explore responsibly. Stick to areas that feel stable and avoid venturing too close to the edges of any steep inclines. The experience is about appreciating the scale and unique geological (or rather, 'anthropological') formation of the tip. Reddit

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