Primrose lined hedges and fields lead you to the craggy cliffs of the Lizard peninsular.

The Lizard is the most southerly point in Britain, huge cliffs and collapsed caves dominate the peninsular rocky outcrops appear fleetingly through the white horses of the Atlantic swell.

In visiting the Lizard you can take in the old lifeboat station and imagine rescuers of old taking to the high seas and navigating their way through perilous rocks, currents and swells to come to the aid of ailing ships to save cargo and lives. A few of those saved and the ships that they were on are listed on the outside of the station. In 1907 the largest ever rescue in UK martime history was undertaken just off the Peninsula when the SS Suevic was wrecked.  The Lizard life boat was one of 3 local life boats to help and who between them rescued 456 of the 524 crew and passengers.  2 of the local crew were awarded Silver Medals for their part in the rescue.  The station closed in 1961 as services were transfered to a better launching point further up the coast.

Refreshments can be purchased at the top of the cliff overlooking the old lifeboat station at a café called ‘The Southerly’.

The coastal path then winds it’s way passed a collapsed cave called ‘Lions Den’ – if you’re lucky you may find rock climbing fanatics practising their moves and grips.

Rising fairly steeply the coastal path then leads to a Wireless Museum looked after by the National Trust. The museum which gives an insight into the work of pionieers in radio is housed in two of the original black huts used by these inventors.

Shortly afterwards a bright red wall will come into view – this is the daymark wall of the local coastguard on the look out and on hand to attend and alert the authorities to the ever present dangers of the sea and the casualties that may result. The lookout is entirely run by volunteers and any donations are gratefully accepted.

Finally, you will arrive at the new lifeboat station with it’s high-tech lift facility which seems to plunge from the station at the top of the cliff to the building which houses the lifeboat and boat ramp at the bottom of the cliff.

The Lizard is a National Nature Reserve and is a beautiful unspoilt part of Cornwall, the wonderful coastline the clear blue seas flaura and fauna make it well worth a visit.