Cullykhan-bay and Fort Fiddes

About trip

More a place to visit than a walk, Cullykhan Bay is a delightful sandy cove. Overlooking it is Castle Point, the site of ancient Fort Fiddes and an excellent viewpoint for Pennan and the remarkable Hell's Lum.

Stage 1

The car park for Cullykhan Bay is signed along a rough track off the B9031. The beautiful sandy beach, completely sheltered from the prevailing westerly winds, is reached by descending the obvious stepped path. The final section of wooden walkway prevents erosion of the boggy ground below. The beach itself is an idyllic spot on a sunny summer's day.

Stage 2

To visit Fort Fiddes, which is atop the cliffs on the left, first return to the car park. Descend a wooden flight of steps to the north to join a grassy path which crosses a narrow neck of land between a ravine on the left and the bay on the right. The sides of this walkway have been artificially improved with stonework, part of the original fort.

Stage 3

Once across this narrow section the point is surprisingly spacious to walk around. To the north there are excellent views into Hell's Lum, a partially collapsed sea cave. The entrance that can be seen leads into a tunnel which continues beneath the hillside to emerge on the coast just beyond Lion's Head.

Stage 4

It is worth continuing to the very far end of what would once have been a large fort. From here there are excellent views of the picturesque village of Pennan nestled at the foot of the steep slopes on the edge of the sea. Return to the car park the same way.