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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clearer skies, vibrant green
St Austell Sky Tip
Best Time
Clearer skies, vibrant green

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A striking man-made mountain of china clay waste, offering unique landscapes and panoramic views of Cornwall's industrial heritage.
"A unique landmark formed from mining waste, offering fascinating industrial heritage and sweeping views."
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:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Great Treverbyn Tip
A striking man-made mountain of china clay waste, offering unique landscapes and views.
Panoramic Countryside Views
Ascend for sweeping vistas of the Cornish countryside and surrounding clay mining areas.
Industrial Heritage Landmark
Explore a testament to Cornwall's rich china clay mining history and its impact on the landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understand the 'Sky Tip'
Best Footwear for Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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:
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:
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:
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
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
Many visitors approach from the Carluddon area. The terrain can be uneven, so a short walk from a parking spot is usually involved.
Signage directly to the Sky Tip itself is minimal. It's more of a local landmark recognized by those familiar with the area.
🎫 🎫 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.
As an outdoor natural landmark, the Sky Tip is accessible at any time. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and visibility.
There is no admission fee to visit the St Austell Sky Tip. It's a unique part of the Cornish landscape.
While technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to uneven terrain and lack of lighting, which can be hazardous.
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.
🎫 🏞️ 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.
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.
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.
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.
Expect expansive views of the Cornish countryside, the distinctive white clay spoil heaps, and potentially glimpses of the coast on a clear day.
📸 📸 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.
Late afternoon during the 'golden hour' provides beautiful light that highlights the textures and colours of the landscape. Clear mornings also offer good visibility.
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.
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.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local drone laws and ensure you have any necessary permissions before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
🚶 Hikers & Nature Enthusiasts
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of the China Clay Industry
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.
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.
Exploring the Landscape
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. 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.
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.






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