Tucked away in a remote corner of England, a wild and weather-beaten cove dubbed Dinosaur Egg Beach by locals, could very well be among Cornwall’s most closely guarded treasures. The location is tucked down a twisting country road, where the phone signal comes and goes, yet it maintains an utterly timeless quality. This remarkable spot is Porth Nanven, positioned merely half a mile west of St Just town.
Perfectly spherical boulders tumble down the coastline at the base of Cot Valley, creating an extraordinary likeness to emerging dinosaur eggs. Reports indicate these unique stones were created roughly 120,000 years ago during fierce weather conditions in the region. Following numerous attempts by visitors to remove them as keepsakes, the National Trust has since intervened to safeguard the location.
According to the Express, historian Elizabeth Dale previously explained: “Porth Nanven beach has in fact what is known as a ‘raised beach’ formed sometime since the last ice age. She later added: “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 onto the modern beach.” The stones remain secured by sand, granite pebbles, and clay – all remnants from bygone glacial periods.
It’s during severe weather or after bouts of cliff deterioration that fresh ‘eggs’ become revealed and are carried onto Porth Nanven’s shoreline. A picturesque footpath extends from the St Just car park, guiding visitors downwards to the shore through Cot Valley.
In a former Tripadvisor review, one holidaymaker characterised the region as ‘almost tropical’, whilst others have cautioned that it may not be appropriate for those with restricted mobility. One person wrote: “This beach is not suitable for children or people with limited movement or indeed afraid of heights!!
“Sorry about the harsh facts above, this is a very small, delightful cove but it’s not at all easy to get to and takes nerves to drive or walk/climb down to it. I guess there in [lies] its charm, remote, no lifeguard and this far down… [near] rough sea.”
Meanwhile, another added: “Lovely walk that crisscrossed a wooded valley dotted with sheltered, almost tropical, gardens and then down to a beautiful hidden cove.” The shore can alternatively be reached directly by car, though this sidesteps the picturesque rural stroll.
Visitors hoping to glimpse the sand must schedule their journey accordingly, as it’s only apparent for a few hours daily during low tide.
Lucky tourists may also witness Peregrine falcons roosting on the clifftops above.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
