Teetering on the Edge:
The Logan Rock is an 80 ton stone precariously laying on top of the rocky headland that takes its name from it. The site is very large and complex, the views are fabulous and is teeming with wild birds and a couple of ponies. The area is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), the conservation of particular value for wildlife, geology, or landform features.
It is also an Iron age fort or cliff castle and the dwelling of much old stories and folklore.
An Iron Age fort
Treryn Dinas is a formidable promontory fort called Castle in Cornwall. It is a complex site with multiple lines of defense. Its once imposing fortifications, consisting of ramparts, ditches, and stone walls, are still visible today, though less ‘grand’ than a couple of thousands of years ago.
Two rectangular buildings, possibly later additions, are described as “watch houses” on old maps. More recently two small round houses were discovered and are believed to be much older. A 20th-century coastguard lookout once stood on the Eastern side, denoted by the gravelled flat area overlooking the sea Treryn Dinas is associated with the Iron Age, but earlier human activity was recorded in the area. A Bronze Age burial, including a cremation urn, was found near the Logan Rock.
Neolithic flints were found within the promontory area and the nearby fields. Additionally, Roman artifacts, such as coins and glass, have been discovered, indicating Roman influence in the area. Unfortunately, no written record of Treryn Dinas’s use is available. The word fort suggests a defense site, but its ease of access and location suggest a more ritual and religious use of the area.
Where giants lived
Once upon a time, the story goes, at Castle Treen there lived a giant couple, Dan Dynas and his wife, An Venna; they built the outer wall of Castle Treen, by filling the ditch with soil while he placed the stones. Together, they created a stronghold to protect the local people from pirates.
The giantess, dissatisfied with her childless state, grew increasingly demanding and abusive towards her husband. The giant performed various tasks to appease her, including swimming for fish and logging rocks.
Desperate for an heir, the couple consults a wise man who suggests stealing a baby from a neighboring giant. The plan is executed, and the stolen child is raised as their own. The young giant grows strong and is favored by his adoptive mother. Tragedy struck when the giantess, in a fit of rage, murdered her husband by pushing him off a cliff. In a twist of fate, she is immediately turned to stone as punishment.
The dislodging of the myth
In 1824, a group of British sailors led by Lieutenant Hugh Goldsmith decided to challenge the belief that ‘ no mortal man could dislodge the rock from its position’. They successfully shifted the boulder.
The local outcry was immediate and intense, as the Logan Rock was not just a natural spectacle but a symbol of local heritage. The Admiralty ordered the rock to be returned to its original position, a task that took months and involved complex mechanical contraptions.
Tips for your visit to the Logan Rock
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Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon, when quieter and light is more dramatic.
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Wear appropriate footwear: some climbing is involved to get to the Logan stone and the Giants chairs
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Check the weather: Strong winds and rain can make the area inaccessible.
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Respect the environment: do not leave rubbish when you visit this special place
- How to get there
