Asparagus Island

Key Facts

• Location: Kynance Cove, Cornwall
• Terrain: Open water of Kynance Cove
• Access: Tidal tombolo
• Map: OS Explorer 103
• Starting point: Tombolo between Asparagus Island and mainland
• Accommodation/food:

  The National Trust Cafe at Kynance Cove is a great spot for a cream tea and sublime views. Public toilets here too.

• Island Summary:

  Asparagus Island in Kynance Cove is part of the translucent green serpentine-jumble of rocks on one of the world’s best beaches. This grass-topped, asparagus-flanked island is a real gem. To walk to the island, as the tide starts to recede, roll up your shorts and claim this island as your very own until the crossing is drier for the rest of humanity to arrive. If the conditions are right this is a sublime swim from the tombolo to circumnavigate the island. The superb National Trust eco-café has to be one of the best spots in the UK for an ice-cream afterwards.

  There is a dog ban in operation at Kynance between 7am and 7pm from Easter Sunday until 30th September.

• Look out for:
  • Great underwater views
  • Sea caves and colourful rocks
  • A well deserved ice cream afterwards
• Route description:

  To walk to Asparagus Island, leave the NT car park, walk along the South West Coast Path then descend steeply into Kynance Cove. The island is accessed from the beach with a short scramble up the rocks at its base. To swim around Asparagus Island, leave the tombolo at mid- to low-tide and swim in either direction.

• Getting there:

  To get to Kynance Cove take the A3083 south towards The Lizard from Helston. Just before reaching Lizard Village, follow the Kynance sign posted on the right hand side (look for brown sign). The National Trust car park sits on cliffs above Kynance Cove (GR SW 688 133; What3words desktop. warriors. trick; TR12 7PJ). Larger motorhomes can also park for the day (not overnight)