It looks quite precarious lodged on Spy House Point, Polperro - but I guess a lighthouse has to be seen far out to sea, otherwise it wouldn't be a lot of use!
When the lighthouse was in operation - it was decommissioned in the 1950s - the light was visible between eight and twelve miles. It was built in 1911, replacing the previous lighthouse built in 1904.
When walking east along the coastal path, from Polperro, there is another narrow path leading to steps that lead to the lighthouse. Great views out to sea, of course. There is a safely rail around the building to, hopefully, stop visitors falling 140 feet and splashing into the sea.
It's easy to miss the lighthouse - as can be seen in the photo below - as the building is only 16 feet tall.
See Also:
Walking The South West Coast Path Into Polperro, Cornwall
Compared to "normal" lighthouses this one, at 16 feet is quite dinky. My first thought when I saw it was it looked like an old petrol pump on the great North road! It must have saved many ships & lives though so it's location still gave it the height of its bigger brothers.
ReplyDeleteFascinating subject and your usual high quality pictures.
Thanks David. It's certainly different from the average lighthouse. Hope you are enjoying the lovely weather, it has been glorious here.
DeleteIt's lovely here on the east coast, probably a little down on temperature to your area, 20 degrees in our garden. That's warm enough for me, I'm not one for sunbathing and I can get out with camera feeling comfortable.
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