Cligga Head Mining

Cligga Head feels different from many Cornwall coast walks. It’s not polished or overly managed, it’s raw, open, and shaped as much by industry as by nature.

Starting from the clifftop parking area, you’re immediately in it. There’s no gentle lead-in, just wide skies, Atlantic wind, and the scattered remains of Cornwall’s mining past. Engine houses, spoil heaps, and exposed rock sit right alongside the path, often blending into the landscape rather than standing apart from it.

As you move along the coast, the colour of the cliffs really stands out. Reds, browns, and darker mineral streaks cut through the rock, a reminder of what was once pulled from this ground. It’s a stark but fascinating place, not pretty in a traditional sense, but full of atmosphere.

The walking itself is steady but uneven. Tracks wind through old workings and across open grass, with occasional climbs that remind you this isn’t a flat coastal stroll. The exposure adds to the feel, on a breezy day, you’ll know about it.

What makes this walk special is that sense of space and history combined. You’re not just walking along the coast, you’re moving through a landscape that’s been worked, abandoned, and reclaimed by the elements.

It’s quiet too. Even in busier months, it rarely feels crowded, which suits the setting perfectly.