Cligga Head
Explore dramatic cliffs, mysterious mining tunnels, and stunning ocean vistas along Cornwall's rugged coastline.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for views & exploration
Cligga Head
Best Time
Best light for views & exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore dramatic cliffs, mysterious mining tunnels, and stunning ocean vistas along Cornwall's rugged coastline.
"Breathtaking scenery and intriguing historical remains make Cligga Head a must-visit for walkers and adventurers."
🔦 Bring a Powerful Torch
Essential for exploring the dark tunnels safely.
👟 Sturdy Walking Shoes
The coastal path can be uneven; good footwear is a must.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cligga Head Tunnels
Coastal path near Perranporth
Explore the mysterious, dark tunnels that hint at Cligga Head's mining history. A powerful torch is essential for venturing inside.
Rugged Coastal Scenery
Cliffs overlooking the Atlantic
Breathtaking views of rugged cliffs, wide-open seascapes, and sparkling ocean waters await.
+1
Historical Mining Remains
Various locations around Cligga Head
Discover remnants of past tin and tungsten mining operations, including structures resembling air raid shelters.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Explore the Eerie Tunnels
Coastal Path Adventures
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🔦 Bring a Powerful Torch
Essential for exploring the dark tunnels safely.
👟 Sturdy Walking Shoes
The coastal path can be uneven; good footwear is a must.
⚠️ Watch for Glass
Some areas may have broken glass, be cautious with kids and pets.
🗺️ Coastal Path Access
Easy to reach from Perranporth or St. Agnes.
Tips
from all over the internet
🔦 Bring a Powerful Torch
Essential for exploring the dark tunnels safely.
👟 Sturdy Walking Shoes
The coastal path can be uneven; good footwear is a must.
⚠️ Watch for Glass
Some areas may have broken glass, be cautious with kids and pets.
🗺️ Coastal Path Access
Easy to reach from Perranporth or St. Agnes.
📸 Capture the Views
Stunning seascapes and geological formations offer great photo ops.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Cligga Head for its stunning coastal views and intriguing historical mining tunnels, making it a great spot for walks and exploration. While the tunnels offer an adventurous element, they are very dark and require caution. Some mention the area being used as a dirt bike track, which can detract from the natural experience.
"Easy to reach along the coastal path, we only found 1 real tunnel which is very dark, can be accessed but you will need a good torch, goes for long way we only made it a short way in."
Leigh J Venner
"You can see these tunnels and entrances on the approach to the explosive mines just alongside on the coastal path. Pleasant cliff walking with great ocean views and well signposted."
G Maps randomly deletes reviews & pix
"Unusual collection of tunnels leading nowhere that must have had a purpouse at one time. A few buildings nearby that resemble air raid shelters. Some hooligan is using this preserved area for his own dirt bike track."
Ewan Baxter
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cligga Head is easily accessible via the coastal path, which connects it to nearby towns like Perranporth and St. Agnes. Parking is available in Perranporth, from where you can walk along the coast.
The coastal path around Cligga Head is noted as being enjoyable for off-road cycling, with some suggesting it's a fun route between St. Agnes and Perranporth.
Most visitors enjoy walking the coastal path to take in the views and explore the historical mining remains and tunnels.
You can start your exploration from Perranporth or St. Agnes, following the well-signposted coastal path towards Cligga Head.
Expect rugged coastal terrain with uneven paths along the cliff tops. Sturdy walking shoes are recommended.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Cligga Head is a natural landmark and historical site, so there are no admission fees or tickets required to visit.
As an outdoor natural area, Cligga Head is accessible at all times. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and better views.
Visiting during daylight hours is ideal for enjoying the coastal views and exploring the tunnels. Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer light for photography.
While generally open, be mindful of the natural environment and historical significance. Avoid disturbing the remains and be cautious in the tunnels. +1
Yes, the tunnels can be accessed, but they are very dark and require a powerful torch. Some tunnels extend quite far.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Cligga Head features intriguing mining tunnels, historical mining remains, and dramatic rugged cliffs with stunning ocean views. +1
The tunnels are very dark and can be extensive. It's crucial to bring a powerful torch and exercise caution, as there may be uneven surfaces and broken glass. +1
Cligga Head was historically a center for tin mining and later for tungsten (wolfram) during World War II.
Absolutely! The dramatic cliffs, ocean vistas, and historical remnants offer fantastic opportunities for landscape and historical photography.
Dogs are generally welcome on the coastal paths, but it's important to keep them under control, especially near the cliffs and in the tunnels, and be aware of potential hazards like broken glass.
📸 📸 Photography
The cliff edges offer panoramic views of the sea and coastline. The entrances to the tunnels also provide dramatic photographic opportunities.
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, can provide beautiful light for landscape shots. Midday offers clear views but can be harsh.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive seascapes. A sturdy tripod can be useful for low-light conditions in the tunnels or for long exposures of the waves.
The juxtaposition of the rugged natural landscape with the man-made mining tunnels and remains offers unique photographic subjects.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local bylaws and guidelines regarding drone usage in coastal and historical areas before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Hikers and Walkers
📸 Photographers
+1 Consider visiting during the golden hours for softer light and atmospheric shots. The historical mining remains also add a unique element to your portfolio. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mining Legacy of Cligga Head
The remnants of this industrial past are still visible today, with various structures and the distinctive tunnels that dot the landscape. These tunnels, though often dark and extending deep into the headland, are a tangible link to the hard work and resourcefulness of past generations.
Geologists also find Cligga Head fascinating, with discussions around tungsten mineralization and crosscourses being noted by experts. The area's geological makeup contributes to its unique mineral collections, such as botallackite, which can be found here.
+2Exploring the Tunnels: A Word of Caution
Some of these tunnels extend for a considerable distance, and visitors often report only making it a short way in due to the darkness and unknown depths. It's important to be aware that the ground within the tunnels can be uneven, and there's a risk of encountering broken glass, making it particularly important to be cautious if visiting with children or pets.
While the tunnels are intriguing, it's wise to stick to well-trodden paths within them and not venture too deep without proper experience and equipment. The eerie atmosphere combined with the darkness creates a unique experience, but safety should always be the top priority.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit