Cornwall’s ‘Dinosaur Egg Beach’ has been capturing the hearts of those who venture down the winding roads to discover it. Nestled at the bottom of Cot Valley near St Just, Porth Nanven offers a slice of prehistoric paradise, earning its nickname for the egg-shaped boulders scattered along the shore.
Cornwall Live reports that this secluded spot, which is one of the country’s most westerly beaches, feels like a land that time forgot, untouched by tourists and beyond the reach of mobile signals.
But there’s more to Porth Nanven than meets the eye; it’s not just a picturesque coastal retreat. This wild stretch of the Atlantic coast has stories etched into its landscape dating back 120,000 years.
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Located at the seaward end of Cot Valley, this fascinating beach is part of the Aire Point to Carrick Du Site of Special Scientific Interest. This beach acquired the nickname ‘Dinosaur Egg Beach’ due to the unique and remarkable boulders that create a striking and unusual landscape.
Given its westerly location, this beautiful beach also offers a captivating viewpoint from which you can watch the sunset over the sea, while the waves crash against the rocks.
The distinctive shape of the ‘dinosaur eggs’ draws visitors looking to capture incredible photographs as well as those hoping to snap up a rock as a souvenir.
But, beach lovers should be warned that the site is now protected by the National Trust, which ensures that the ‘dinosaur eggs’ are protected by law. Carrying away stones is now illegal.
Despite their intriguing name, the granite boulders boulder on the beach were sculpted by storms approximately 120,000 years ago. They have no connection to the dinosaurs.
The formation of these ‘eggs’ is a captivating geological story. Shaped by the relentless waves of the Atlantic, these boulders have been tumbled and smoothed in nature’s own rock-polishing workshop.
Unlike other similar coastal formations, Porth Nanven’s egg-shaped rocks become more abundant as you move away from the water’s edge, extending beyond the high tide line. Intriguingly, these granite eggs appear to be ‘hatching’ from the cliffs above, adding an extra layer of wonder to this already unique site.
120,000 years ago, the climate in Cornwall was much warmer than it is now, feeling positively Mediterranean. Due to melting ice, the sea levels would have been around 12 metres higher, lapping the small car park at the bottom of Cot Valley, had there been such a thing.
These higher sea levels are evident in a ‘raised beach’ at Porth Nanven, where the egg-shaped boulders formed in those times can be seen, as well as in the cliff itself, held in place with a mixture of sand, granite pebbles and clay which is known to have been created during glacial periods. It is during fierce storms or following cliff erosion that we see more ‘eggs’ hatching on Porth Nanven beach.
Historian Elizabeth Dale explains in her blog: “Porth Nanven beach has in fact what is known as a ‘raised beach’ formed sometime since the last ice age. Also known as a ‘marine terrace’, this raised beach was originally formed during the last ‘inter-glacial highstand’, a period of raised sea levels caused by melting of the ice sheets.
“Then, when those extreme sea levels fell again, the beach was left high and dry. During rough seas and very high spring tides the waves can sometimes reach the ancient seabed and wash down some of the rounded boulders on to the modern beach.”
As well as its tale of prehistoric global warming, Porth Nanven hides a more recent curiosity in its sand. On March 29, 1930, a First World War submarine, which was being towed from Chatham to Newport in Wales to be scrapped, broke away from its line and onto the rocks in the cove.
Remnants of the vessel are still left half buried in the sand. To keep visitors safe from trips, falls or stubbed toes The National Trust, have marked the area with a buoy and put up warning notices.
But even without Porth Nanven’s fascinating history – both recent and ancient. Even without its entry in the top ten beaches list. And even when you’re not there in time to watch a perfect sunset behind Charles de Gaulle in the Bath (The Brisons), this secluded cove is still a truly magical place.
How to get to Port Nanven
Porth Nanven is approximately eight miles from Penzance. From the town of St Just, visitors should head south along Bosborne Terrace, which turns into Carrallack Lane. From here they can access a footpath that leads through the valley and out onto the beach
The approach to the beach is dotted with old disused mine shafts on either side. While it might be tempting to explore the history to the beach, these old buildings aren’t safe for exploring.
Above the beach, the South West Coast Path offers scenic views across the twin peaks of the Brison islets, making for a pleasant walk back up to St Just.
There are no facilities on the beach, but well-behaved dogs are welcome all year round.
Most visitors park in the main St Just car park, behind the library and enjoy a lovely mile-long walk down to the beach. Alternatively, park by the beach itself and miss out on the stroll through Cot Valley.
Hungry adventurers can stop and enjoy refreshments at the Dog & Rabbit Cafe or a delicious lunch at The Copper Kettle, just two of the eateries in St Just.
Visitors who have discovered the ethereal beauty of the area have taken to TripAdvisor to share their awe-inspiring experiences at Porth Nanven.
One visitor described the beach as “Porth Naven lies at the end of the tranquil Cot Valley, also on the south west coast path. It has a great sunset, which we were fortunate to witness, lovely views across to the Bisons. It’s mainly boulders and pebbles looks like dinosaur eggs, and low tide you do get some sand.”
Another enthusiast shared: “This is a wonderful beach with a National Trust Car Park, the beach is mainly pebbles which you can’t take away, at low tide there is a small sandy beach. Many years ago a Submarine grounded here and there are apparently remnants at a very low tide.”
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