All along the coasts of Penwith are found promontory forts. These sites were chosen for their natural defences. Located on headlands where the forts were surrounded mainly by steep cliffs, with only a relatively small landward side. Defences could then be concentrated on the landward side, normally comprising of a series of ramparts and ditches.

Maen Castle  SW347258

An early example of a cliff castle, constructed around 500BC. This National Trust site is very close to Sennen harbour carpark.

The National Trust has signs for both the site and the castle's entrance.

Pottery sherds have been found at Maen Castle covering the period 400BC to 400AD.

Entrance To Maen Castle 

Image reproduced by kind permission of Penlee House Gallery and Museum.

Pottery Sherds found at Maen Castle

Maen Promontory Castle

Kenidjack  SW354326

Kenidjack Castle as with most promontory forts is a scenic location. Not much remains of the Iron Age Fort but a triple banked defence.

Kenidjack Castle

Treryn Dinas SW396222

Treryn Dinas is a large iron age promontory fort. This fort is well worth a visit, it is a very scenic location, ironically the site is more famous for the rockable Logan Rock than the actual fort.

The site is comprised of 4 primary rampart/ditches as shown in the diagram A-D. A was a deep ditch forming an earth rampart of over five metres in height. B and C are two smaller rampart and ditches, which do completely bridge the promontory but instead are shortened where they are able to take advantage of the steep cliff terrain. D is a final ditch that completely bridges the thinnest part of the promontory. Enclosed within this last defence are the remains of stone houses.

Scenic Location Of Treryn Dinas

Plan Of Treryn Dinas ( Blight 1862 )