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The Dodman
Towering above the sea, this historic headland offers dramatic, panoramic views
Penare car park, Penare, St Austell, Cornwall, PL26 6NY
Opening times for 12 July 2025
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Parking at Penare: Please note that there is no parking at Hemmick beach - please park at Penare and walk down the path to the beach. Parking at Lamledra: donation car park. Park here for Vault Beach (not NT) or for coastal walks between Gorran Haven and the Dodman.
- Dogs allowed
Please keep dogs under close control
Steep and uneven paths down to the beach and up onto the headland. Can get muddy on footpaths.
- Steps/uneven terrain
Steep paths with uneven ground on the headland and down to the beach
- By road
From A390, St Austell to Truro, take B3273. Either continue through Mevagissey, Portmellon, Gorran Churchtown and on to Penare, or cut inland before Mevagissey, taking minor roads past Gorran Churchtown and on to Penare where there is a small National Trust car park (SW999404)
Parking: Penare car park (SW999404) is: 2km to Dodman Point; 1km to the South West Coast Path; 1km to Hemmick beach
- On foot
The South West Coast Path winds through the Dodman and Black Head
- By train
St Austell 9.5 miles to Penare car park (SW999404)
- By bus
Local buses from St Austell to Gorran Haven, then 2.4 mile walk along the South West Coast Path to Dodman Point. www.transportforcornwall.co.uk
- Cycling
National Cycle Network Route 3 runs through Gorran Haven village, less than 2 miles from Penare hamlet on the Dodman
Planning your visit
Article
Visiting the Dodman with your dog
Discover all the dog-friendly places you can go for a walk around the Dodman in Cornwall.
Highlights
Headland
The highest point on Cornwall's south coast. An ancient hillfort with evidence of early field strips, with a network of footpaths.
The Watch House
Built in 1794 as part of a chain of signal stations to warn of approaching ships, in a time when Britain was at war with France.
Stone cross
Erected in 1896 by Rev George Martin on St Michael's church and intended as a navigational aid, although there were sadly many shipwrecks off Dodman Point after this date, when fog and low cloud obscured the landmark.
Hemmick
Walk down from Penare to Hemmick. A southwest facing sandy beach, with coves and rockpools to explore. No parking in the passing place at the foot of the hill.
Lamledra
Donation car park between the Dodman and Gorran. Walk down to Vault beach, around the headland into Gorran, through the Mariella's Woods or along the coast path to the Dodman.
Things to see and do
Article
Things to do at the Dodman
A haven for walkers, birdwatchers, and budding archaeologists alike, the Dodman offers space from the hustle and bustle and a chance to get back to nature.
Top trails
Trail
The Dodman long loop trail
Explore a 3–mile circular walk at Dodman Point, the highest headland on Cornwall's south coast and see far-reaching views and wildlife from its peak.
Trail
Lamledra to Mariella's Woodland walk
This short but hilly trail skirts the edge of Gorran Haven, passing through fields and woodland with occasional views of the fishing village and the sea beyond.
Places to stay
Hemmick Cottage
Over the Cornish headlands and in between rocky coves sits this remote stone-built Victorian cottage.
Bodrugan
A former stone barn nestled in the Cornish countryside.
Edgcumbe
A converted barn with countryside views and a pretty garden, close to the Dodman point.
Granny's
With its pretty cottage styling and garden, Granny’s is a great base for exploring the Dodman.
About The Dodman
The Dodman is the highest headland on the south Cornish coast. Offering spectacular views, this area is also of great archaeological interest.
A massive Iron Age earthwork, nearly 666m long and over 6m high, encloses the headland. Over 2,000 years ago, this earthwork could have housed a series of dwellings, known collectively as a promontory fort or cliff castle.
The Bulwark earthwork provides a circular footpath around the Dodman, connecting to the South West Coast Path. More history is evident in the late 18th-century watch house, a survivor of what was a chain of Admiralty signal stations set up to alert the Navy in Plymouth of any untoward shipping movements.
Adding to the drama of Dodman Point is a large granite cross erected in 1896 by Rev G Martin as a navigational aid for seafarers. Visible from several miles away, it still helps sailors find their way along this stunning stretch of coastline.
A haven for walkers, bird-watchers and budding archaeologists alike, the Dodman offers space from the hustle and bustle and a chance to get back to nature. To stay a little longer, why not book one of our cottages at Penare and Hemmick?
Our work
Project
Project
Cornish coastal meadows project
We are working to create 250 hectares of new species rich grassland at National Trust sites across Cornwall. The project, due to be completed by 2026, will help us rise to the twin challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change.
Support us
Volunteer with us
Search for live volunteering opportunities, or register your interest with The Dodman.