Rupert Kirkwood
Mounts Bay Marine Trail
Whether it’s a short jaunt from Newlyn to Jubilee Pool, taking in the Gwelen trail or completing the whole route, this accessible trail has something for everyone. Take part in a 2-minute beach clean, go for a rockpool ramble, learn about the incredible wildlife found in the bay and take time to imagine the stories of the past.
Explore the Trail
Have a go at our Marine Trail Quiz!
A great activity for all the family to explore, from Newlyn to Battery Rocks.
1. Newlyn Fisherman Statue
Newlyn is one of the biggest fishing ports in the UK. Located in front of Newlyn Art Gallery this bronze statue by Tom Leaper pays homage to those that have lost their lives fishing.
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2. The Lost Forests
The sign opposite the statue shows young people’s creative response to the history of the bay. Watch the short animation made by Trelya young people about the fascinating lost forests in the bay here.
3. Time and Tide
Find the phases of the moon etched into the start/end of the yellow promenade. Here you can be a community scientist by snapping a picture from the designated spot on the railings for CoastSnap. Learn about the tides and Newlyn Tidal Observatory from the info boards on the back wall.
Credit: Lucy Luck
4. Wonders of the Sea
Find the binoculars by the shelter opposite the arcade and survey the bay.
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5. Rockpool Ramble at Battery Rocks
Walk around the back of the iconic Jubilee Pool to Battery Rocks. This fantastic rock pool shoreline is a popular wild swimming spot with an incredible array of life to discover at low to mid tide.
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6. St Anthony’s Garden
Use the zebra crossing to visit the sub-tropical gardens across the road. Look for the wonderful display Nancealverne students have created to show the flora found on St Michael's Mount.
7. Wildlife Watching
Whales, dolphins, seals and sunfish are just some of the incredible wildlife in Mounts Bay. Take a stroll along Albert Pier to check out some of the WiSe-accredited boat operators.
Credit: Caz Waddell
8. Gwelen Trail
Discover the sculptures and the inspiration behind them. Hear the stories of people who live and work in the bay and imagine the submerged forest that surrounds the ‘Grey Rock in the Woods’—artwork by Emma Smith with residents of West Penwith. For more information and activities surrounding the Gwelen trail see here.
9. 2 Minute Beach Clean
Use the beach cleaning equipment provided at Jordan's Cafe to do something planet positive by collecting litter and helping protect marine life.
10. RSPB Marazion Marshes
Cross the road to visit the largest reed bed in Cornwall. A site of special scientific interest owing to the incredible bird life, rare plants, and a high number of dragonfly species. Find out more with RSPB.
Credit: Claire Knight
11. Seagrass and the Marine Conservation Zone
Discover the incredible underwater world of seagrass meadows!
Check out the information board about the Marine Conservation Zone and the incredible wildlife it is home to.
Cornwall Wildlife Trust is proud to have collaborated with St Aubyn Estates and St Michael’s Mount on this inspiring and educational film about one of Cornwall’s most precious marine habitats.
This film has been created as part of Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s Your Shore movement with, thanks to funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Find out how you can get involved here.Â
Film created by Polly Ford Media (@pollyfordmedia) and Claire’s Conservation Media (@clairesconservationmedia)
12. St Michael’s Mount
If you would like to visit the island, check St Michael's Mount website for opening times, tickets and how to get there.
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Credit: Lawrence Smith
Trails Within the Trails
Gwelen: Discover the 86 wooden sculptures and the inspiration behind them. Hear the stories of people who live in the bay and imagine the history of the people and the ‘Grey Rock in the Woods’. A Community project created by Artist Emma Smith, Newlyn Art Gallery, with Interreg funding. For more information and activities surrounding the Gwelen trail, see here.
Penzance Promenade: Look for the information boards created by Love PZ on the back wall of the promenade to learn about diverse topics such as Newlyn Tidal Gauge, Plastic Free Penzance and the history of the promenade.
Sustainable Transport
Penzance has a train and bus station for travel to and from the area. Regular bus stops and handy Beryl E-bike hubs can be found on the adjacent road to the trail.
Your Shore and the Marine Trail Development
The Marine Trail was developed as part of a two year Your Shore project in the Mounts Bay area thanks to funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The trail encompasses interesting projects and features already in place alongside new installations created in collaboration with community organisations, education providers and businesses.Â
Find out about the incredible community and conservation work happening in Mounts Bay and how you can join in!
Cornwall Wildlife Trust are proud to have collaborated with Mounts Bay Marine Group to celebrate the amazing volunteers who protect their local marine environment. You can check out their website here- Mounts Bay Marine Group
Film created by Polly Ford Media (@pollyfordmedia) and Claire’s Conservation Media (@clairesconservationmedia)
This film has been created as part of Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s Your Shore movement with thanks to funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Find out how you can get involved here.
We’d like to say a massive thank you to Mounts Bay Marine Group, Trelya, Penwith Wave Academy, Nancealverne School, Mounts Bay Academy, St Aubyn Estates, Jubilee Pool, Gwelen, Emma Smith, Cornwall Council, Newlyn Art Gallery, Wave Rangers, Our Only World, Sustainable Penzance, Penzance Town Council, Plastic Free PZ, RSPB, Jordan’s Café, The 2 Minute Foundation, Penlee Museum and Art Gallery, Amelia Berkeley Designs, Claire's Conservation Media, and Polly Ford Media.
