The Best View in Cornwall? Explore Botallack Mines & Stunning Coastal Walks

If you’re looking for the best view in Cornwall, here’s my favourite spot!

I went searching for the best view in Cornwall and found that it has so much more to offer than just its famous Cornish pasties. When you visit, you’ll experience stunning beaches, picturesque coves, delicious local food, and a rich history sprinkled with legends.

The peninsula’s coastline has been shaped by the south-westerly winds blowing in from the Atlantic Ocean, creating a dramatic landscape of rugged cliffs and waves that attract surfers from around the world to places like Fistral Beach. Whilst the southern coastline along the English Channel is more sheltered, featuring islets, stacks, coves, and bays. I was really looking forward to exploring the Cornwall coastal walks that it had to offer.

Cornwall holds some truly special memories for me, going back to childhood visits from the North East of England with my brothers and sister playing in the sea at Perranporth Beach and running in the sand dunes of Holy Well Bay, so I was very happy to be revisiting.

From Land’s End to Bude, the county offers endless views and experiences, perfect for exploring on your own or with family.

Discovering Botallack and Cornwall’s Coastal Wonders

The black-and-white image at the top of this article features the iconic Crowns Engine Houses at Botallack. These former engine houses are perched on the edge of some very rugged cliffs that have been shaped over centuries by relentless Atlantic storms, creating my favourite view in all of Cornwall.

To go alongside this view is the area’s rich mining history which sees this area designated a World Heritage Site. The Botallack mines are located on the cliffs of West Cornwall and managed by the National Trust so it’s well looked after and fairly easy to get to, just keep an eye on the sat nav to take the correct turning when on the B3306.

The old tin mines actually stretches over seven miles of coastline and was used as a filming location for the Poldark series. As you turn into the site, you’ll pass The Count House which is on your right (which was the mine office in its heyday) to find the parking area just beyond it. From there, a very short walk and you will start exploring the numerous mine ruins, including engine rooms, chimneys, shafts and the arsenic labyrinth (which was an area that collected the poisonous fumes which was a byproduct of the tin production process).

Coastal Walks and Landmarks

There is lots to see in this area and walking through the ruins really starts to make you imagine what it could have been like working in those harsh, small and cramped settings. I know that a teaspoon of pure arsenic can kill more than 6 men so I’d not want the job of cleaning out the arsenic labyrinths at the end of each day.

If you click on this YouTube link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDjSWU7aFUY you will see an incredible CGI video of Botallack mine from the 1860's which the videos creator interpreted from archaeological data, photographs and ordinance surveys.

Once you have explored the main area where the ruins are you will come to the pathways on the cliff’s edge very quickly, which lead to breathtaking views along the coastal walks. Something I would recommend you do if you are into walking is following the route that takes you to Priest Cove (about 45min walk) which has its own tidal sea pool if you fancy some wild swimming. Along the way you will pass landmarks like the West Wheal Owles ruins and the Wheal Edward Engine House and a small detour will also allow you to view the old Boswedden Mine.

Photographing the Crowns Engine Houses

I’ve long wanted to photograph the Crowns Engine Houses to get a large print from my home, as the seascape is incredibly dramatic and interesting, especially for a black and white image.

To reach the ideal spot for setting up your camera and tripod, you’ll need to navigate a narrow walkway with steep drops - which especially challenging on windy days (you can see the pathway in the first picture below, and if you’d like a closer look, the entire walk is viewable on Google Maps using this link). Once across, you’ll find a stable ledge to the right to set up your shot. If you prefer not to cross, there’s a great vertical shot you can take from the main path.

For the best chance of a great image, I would suggest going at sunset rather than sunrise as the engines houses on the cliffs will be better lit by the light and there a better chance of more vibrant skies at this time. Something else to consider is the weather, if it’s windy, the waves will crash more against the rocks, but remember to stay safe.

If you want the shot from the right of the boulder after crossing the pathway (image above) I’d opt for using a wide-angle lens such as a 15-35mm to capture the entire scene on offer. When thinking about capturing the swirl effects and movement of the waves crashing against the cliffs then you need to opt for a long exposure. I created the image above using filters such as a Big Stopper from the Lee Filters range. Make sure your tripod is steady or weighted using your kit bag if it has a hook for extra stabilisation if it is windy.

On review of the image I feel that I overdid the shot a bit, which resulted in a mist effect where the waves were, due to rushing in strong wind plus it was getting dark quick so left after a short while. I am planning on returning to Cornwall next summer so will have chance to get a shot that is more subtle with the movement.

So if you want to visit Botallack mines even just for the experience and the walks rather than taking photographs, I’ve placed the address below for you.

Address: Tin Coast, near St Just, Cornwall, TR19 7QQ

Parking: Free for National Trust members; otherwise, pay at the meter or use the app.

Scenic coastal view of the rugged cliffs near Botallack Mines, Cornwall, captured during sunset. — Vertical Image of Crowns Engine Houses

Other Must-See Locations

Bedruthan Steps

Access to the Beach has been closed due to cliff falls in 2019 and 2021. While the National Trust is assessing safety, you can still enjoy stunning walks and views of the famous rock stacks. Visit in spring to see the area’s beautiful wildflowers again there are some lovely coastal walks here too (see picture below).

Address: Bedruthan Steps, Newquay, Cornwall, TR8 4BU

St Agnes Head and Wheal Coates Mine Ruin

Offers an excellent circular coastal walk and is a prime spot for astrophotography, don’t miss shooting the Milky Way over the mine ruins on a clear night if you get the chance.

Address: Wheal Coates, Beacon Drive, St Agnes, Cornwall, TR5 0NT