The Gwineas

The Gwineas is a rock formation off the southern coast of Cornwall consisting of about 15 stones rising from the English Channel that form a natural barrier. These rocks stretch across a broad area and create a distinctive feature of the coastline.

Several ships met their end at this formation, including the SS Ardangorm in 1940 and the Russian barque Pallas in 1895. These incidents made it a feared location for vessels traveling along this coast.

Local fishermen call this formation by a name derived from Cornish words meaning white island, reflecting the seabirds that inhabit the rocks.

This formation is marked by a bell buoy labeled Gwineas that displays an eastern cardinal light flashing in groups of three at night for ships to see. Visitors should view the rocks only from land or authorized watercraft since they are dangerous and inaccessible.

The rocks are home to important colonies of seals, dolphins, gannets, and cormorants that can be spotted regularly from shore. This concentration of marine life makes it a noteworthy spot for nature watching along this coast.

Location: Cornwall

GPS coordinates: 50.25000,-4.76667

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:43