Coverack Area & its Rare Geology and Roskilly’s

A tour combining an interesting walk with an easy to follow explanation of why Coverack is a fascinating geological location of worldwide importance. From beach to countryside, farmland to coast path this has a little of everything. This tour includes passing through the famous Roskilly’s farm shop around lunch time for a refreshment break. This is the only location in the UK mainland where the ‘Moho,’ the transition between the lower crust and the mantle, can be seen. Find examples of the rare mantle rocks and have it all carefully explained by an experienced geologist who taught this to students at the University of Exeter.

The tour includes Coverack beach and village, Godrevy Cove, passes Dean Quarry, Lowland Point and Chynhalls Point. For keen geologists we will see basalt dykes, gabbro, peridotite, dunite, troctolite and bastite textures. These sites are designated SSSI’s and protected by Law so no hammering of the outcrop is allowed. However, it is easy to find loose specimens nearby if you want a souvenir.

Due to tides the order of this tour will be adjusted accordingly, with the ‘Moho’ on the beach crossed either at the start or end of the tour.

A coastal scene at Coverack with a large tree in the foreground, ocean waves crashing on the shore, cloudy sky, and houses near the shoreline.

Gallery

Coverack is sheltered behind Lizard Point giving it a semi-tropical climate

Several boats are docked in Coverack harbour near rocky cliffs. People are sitting and relaxing above, with some equipment and an inflatable boat visible.

A small fishing fleet still operates from the harbour at Coverack, which hosts an annual regatta

Basalt dykes cut through the gabbro at Godrevy Cove.

Basalt dykes cut through gabbro in what was originally the lower crust at Godrevy Cove near Coverack

Group of people studying the dunite and peridotite at Coverack.

Bands of Dunite in Peridotite the originally formed in the upper mantle 8km below the sea floor

A narrow ancient sunken road through a dense, moss-covered wooded area with leafless trees and green bushes on either side, leading to a wooden style.

Ancient sunken lane we follow on the way to Roskilly’s for a well earned ice cream

Cows on a rocky and grassy shoreline by the ocean with a ship in the distance.

The cows at Lowland Point sometimes have a little paddle in the sea, I assume to cool down?

Scenic view Godrevy Cove with green hills in the background, under a blue sky with scattered clouds.

Godrevy Cove on the Lizard can only be reached by a long hike and lies nearly deserted

A seal lying on a small rocky island covered with seaweed, surrounded by water with buoys in the distance.

A seal basking in the sun on this remote part of the coast where they get very little disturbance

Details

  • Up to 8 hour tour between 9am and 5pm as suits

  • Meet at Coverack village, car park asks for a donation and we suggest £5 is fair for all day parking

  • The standard route consists of beaches, footpaths and open farmland with almost no walking along public roads

  • We will discuss your requirements in advance and make any suitable adjustments to ensure you have an enjoyable tour

  • See Coverack village and harbour, Roskilly’s Farm Shop, Godrevy Cove, Lowland Point, Dean Quarry and Chynhalls Point

  • Learn about the lower crust and upper mantle and see basalt dykes, gabbro, dunite, peridotite, troctolite bastite texture and much more

  • Option - Have lunch at Roskilly’s (cost of food and drink not included in the tour price)

  • Options - A longer hike to include Porthoustock, Porthkerris and Porthallow to see more complicated geology (walking along some quiet roads)

  • Children welcome but must be supervised by an adult

  • Dogs are welcome but must be on a short lead at all times without exception. Dogs may be let off the lead at Godrevy Cove.

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