Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Treen & Logan Rock
A couple of miles from Porthcurno, just off the B3315, is the little village of Treen, best
known for the geological oddity known as the Logan Rock. Perched on the headland near
Treryn Dinas, the site of one of Cornwall's largest Iron Age hillforts, this massive boulder
once famously rocked back and forth on its own natural pivot with only the slightest pres-
sure; its name supposedly derives from the Cornish verb
log,
meaning 'to rock', often
used to denote the motion of a drunken man.
The Logan Rock has been a tourist attraction since at least the 18th century, but became
infamous after it was knocked off its perch by a young naval lieutenant, Hugh Goldsmith
(the nephew of the Restoration playwright Oliver Goldsmith), in an attempt to show the
physical prowess of the British Navy. Unfortunately, the locals were so incensed, Gold-
smith was forced to restore the rock to its original position under threat of his naval com-
mission - a task that required the efforts of 60 men, winches borrowed from Devonport
Dockyard and a total cost of £130 8s 6d (a copy of the bill can be seen in the Logan Rock
Inn). Sadly, Goldsmith's efforts were in vain: the Logan Rock hasn't rocked since.
The remote sandy beach of
Pedn Vounder
lies just west of Logan Rock. It's one of Corn-
wall's few naturist beaches, and well worth a walk if you don't mind the sight of a bit of
bare flesh. It's also a wonderful beach in its own right, with a golden scoop of sand and a
supremely secluded location.
Sleeping & Eating
Treen Farm
( 07598-469322;
www.treenfarmcampsite.co.uk
; adult £5, child £2-3, tent £2-4, car £1; Apr-Oct)
This
family-focused campsite is a beauty, with views of Logan Rock and the coast near Porth-
curno. There's plenty of space in the main field, plus a locally-stocked shop, and loads of
walks nearby. No bookings: pitches are first-come, first-serve, so turn up early.
CAMPSITE
£
Logan Rock
( 01736-810495;
www.theloganrock.co.uk
; Treen; mains £6-14; 10.30am-11pm, closed mid-afternoon in
winter)
This village pub's been around for four centuries, so it's crammed with old-time at-
mosphere - head-scraping ceilings, wooden seats, a crackling hearth and brassy trinkets,
plus a rather incongruous collection of cricketing memorabilia in one corner.
PUB
££
