About Islandeering
Hi and welcome to Islandeering Islandeering is for people who want adventure in Britain’s wild blue spaces – our rivers, coast, lakes, canals and islands. You will find amazing walks, paddles and swims in the UK’s most special places, those recognised for outstanding natural beauty, incredible geology or special and abundant wildlife.
More About UsWe continuously find new islands, rivers, lochs, canals and coast to walk, SUP and swim in and meet plenty of great folks along the way. Join our community to get new routes and adventures, latest blogs and news by using the email box below. Tune in also to our Facebook and Instagram pages to see where we are going next.
Key Facts
- Location: north Cornwall
- Size: > 10ha
- High point: 31.2m
- Map: OS Explorer 102 Land’s End
Godrevy Island lies just under 300 metres off Godrevy Point at the eastern side of St Ives Bay. The uninhabited island is dominated by Godrevy Lighthouse, thought to be the inspiration for Virginia Woolf’s To the Lighthouse. This grass-topped island is home to seagulls, oystercatchers, pipits, primroses and sea thrift and the rocks at its base are a favourite haul-out spot for grey seals. Landing is only possible with permission from Trinity House, although the island can be circumnavigated on a boat trip from St Ives or can be readily viewed from a fabulous walk along the South West Coast Path from Godrevy.
Look out for
- Spot Godrevy seals
- Historic boat trip from St Ives
- Wildlife spotting – including dolphins
- Fabulous coastal walk
How to get to Godrevy Island
It is not possible to access the island but Godrevy Island boat trips circumnavigate the island for closer views of the Godrevy seals and is one of the most popular things to do in St Ives. RIBS make for an exhilarating trip around the island but much more nostalgic is a boat trip is aboard the historic St Ives Lifeboat, James Stevens No.10, that served between 1900 – 1933, saving 255 lives over that time. This 1.5 hour trip is suitable for all ages, cost £25 for adults, and is dog friendly. For views of Godrevy Island you can walk along the South West Coast Path to Godrevy Point from Godrevy car park – see Islandeering route.
Godrevy car park
Godrevy car park is open throughout the year and is popular with beachgoers, surfers and walkers (Post code TR27 5EY; Grid ref. SW584422; What3Words browser.inspected.hurry). There is a some limited parking is available further on nearer Godrevy Point and, in season, additional National Trust parking in a field near to Godrevy Point.
Getting to Godrevy car park
Godrevy is just north of Gwithian village and is signposted with a brown tourist sign from the B3301 coast road between Hayle and Portreath. Godrevy can also be reached on the S2 bus from St Ives.
Godrevy Café
Looking over one of the most popular beaches in Cornwall the National Trust-owned Godrevy café is a great spot for beach views and good food.
Godrevy Beach to Hell’s Mouth Coastal walk
About Islandeering
Hi and welcome to Islandeering Islandeering is for people who want adventure in Britain’s wild blue spaces – our rivers, coast, lakes, canals and islands. You will find amazing walks, paddles and swims in the UK’s most special places, those recognised for outstanding natural beauty, incredible geology or special and abundant wildlife.
More About UsWe continuously find new islands, rivers, lochs, canals and coast to walk, SUP and swim in and meet plenty of great folks along the way. Join our community to get new routes and adventures, latest blogs and news by using the email box below. Tune in also to our Facebook and Instagram pages to see where we are going next.
Key Facts
- Location: Cornwall (North)
- Terrain: Coast path
- Access: Path
- Height gain: 405 metres
- Map: OS Explorer 102 Land’s End
- Starting point: Godrevy Head carpark (GR SW 581 430)
Walk Summary:
The circular walk from Godrevy to Hell’s Mouth and back via the Red River Valley offers dramatic coastal scenery of the South West Coast Path, as well as the opportunity of exploring idyllic hedge-lined Cornish lanes. It boasts the best views of Godrevy Island, which otherwise could only be viewed on a boat trip from St Ives. The route includes the clifftop path between stunning Navax Head and Hell’s Mouth, seal watching in Mutton Cove, woodlands, and views across the Red River Valley, and a choice of three café stops on the way.
- Look out for:
- Seal watching, Mutton Bay
- Dramatic coastal scenery
- Best mainland views of Godrevy Island
- Three great cafes
Route description
- From the car park, head north towards the lighthouse on the island, along the South West Coast Path around Godrevy Head. This stretch offers the best views of Godrevy Island. As you round the Head you’ll spot Mutton Cove below. At low tide you’ll spot hundreds of grey seals at Mutton Cove in the Autumn, and they are also spotted in lower numbers year round. Note: Please don’t disturb the hauled out seals by keeping your distance, keeping dogs on leads and to not flying drones nearby.
- After the benches, continue east along the coast path. Go through the gate onto the Knavocks and follow the track through the heathland. Pass the trig point. Continue round the headland on this path and you will reach a wooden then a stone stile. Continue across the field, then over another stone stile onto a wide track.
- Before the end of the track turn left through the stone gateposts and follow the path towards the cliff edge, and continue along the cliff-top until the path gently descends towards Hell’s Mouth. Cross the B3301 to reach the Hell’s Mouth Café.
- Take the path to the side of the café then the waymarked track. Turn right at a T junction with another track and continue alongside woodland. The track veers left, then crosses a small stream and marshy area. Head across the fields until you reach a small lane near a large barn.
- Turn right onto the small lane, and continue for 1.7 km passed the houses of Gwealavellan until you reach the B3301. Turn left.
- Head along the B3301 for 0.7 km to reach the Gwithian Bridge. Turn right, follow the path alongside the road, passed the Rockpool Beach Café and then the National Trust’s Godrevy Beach Café, and pick up the South West Coast Path along the coast line back to the Godrevy car park.
See main Godrevy page for directions to car park.
