Nested within the West Lizard Site of Special Scientific Interest in is a cove hidden by an island named after a vegetable.
Kynance Cove is located directly behind Asparagus Island, named after the rare wild form of the vegetable which grows there. The asparagus on the island is a rare species, native but only very local in south west England. Around the island and cove, the endangered species can be found on the rocky sea cliffs and the sand dunes. The plant grows stems up to 30cm long.
In addition, the island is home to the 'Devils bellows' — a blowhole which was used by the sea tunnelling along a fault. There is also a second blowhole named the Post Office, due to it having enough power to suck a letter through it.
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The island is not directly accessible, but some visitors have previously made it to the island in low tide by walking with their shorts rolled up. Slightly more easily accessed is Kynance Cove, which is home to sandy beaches, turquoise waters and spectacular rock formations. The name of the cove derives from the Cornish 'kewnans', which means ravine, and there is a stream that cuts through the valley across the beach.
One rock is even named after who visited the beach with his children in 1846.
There are plenty of walks around Kynance Cove as it is linked to Lizard Point to the south and Mullion to the north, by the South West Coast Path. One route loved by travellers is the coast path between Kynance and Lizard Point which is approximately 2.5 miles, before returning inland via Lizard village and Lizard Downs.
The cove regularly features on lists of the most beautiful beaches in the world and all it takes is a visit to understand why. It was even most recently, featured in the popular TV series,
It is worth noting that there are no lifeguards operating at Kynance Cove, dogs are only allowed between September and June and parking is limited. The cove is about a 10 minute walk from the car park.
For those wanting to enjoy their time at Kynance leisurely, there is the Kynance Cove Café, which is open all year — weather permitting. Ran by Luke and Victoria Donovan since 1999, the café offers a wide array of sandwiches, hot food, fresh smoothies and milkshakes, hot and cold drinks.
For those who want to stay in this remote part of the UK, next to the is a cosy cottage, ideal for families or couples. The cottage has all you need including a log burning stove, however there is no Wi-Fi and no cell service, perhaps offering a great escape from the modern world.
