Hartland Point

Hartland Point is a convert|325|ft|m|abbr=on high rocky outcrop of land on the northwestern tip of the Devon coast in England. It is three miles (5 km) north-west of the village of Hartland. The point marks the western limit (on the English side) of the Bristol Channel with the Atlantic Ocean continuing to the west. This location was known to the Romans as the "promontory of Hercules".

Lighthouse

Trinity House, the lighthouse authority for England and Wales, have a lighthouse on the tip of the peninsula. Built in 1874 under the direction of Sir James Douglass, the tower is 18 m tall with the lamp being 37 m above mean sea level. It was blessed by Bishop Temple of Exeter who later became Archbishop of Canterbury. The tower was automated in 1984 and is now controlled from Trinity House Operations Centre at Harwich in Essex. Prior to automation the lighthouse was built with accommodation for four keepers and their families. The keepers' dwellings have since been demolished to make room for a Helipad to be constructed. This was necessary due to the precarious nature of the access road which is liable to frequent rock falls and landslips. Vehicular access is now very difficult and the gates tend to remain locked. The large concrete structures immediately to the south of the lighthouse were to provide the keepers with fresh water.

Characteristics

The light can be seen up to convert|25|mi|km away from the coast.

Coastguard

maintain a small station on the top of the point near the lighthouse. This is now normally unmanned.

The South West Coast Path was formerly an aid to the Coastguard who needed to be able to travel from station to station on foot while being able to keep an eye on the sea to spot for smugglers. The path stays close to the edge of the cliffs on its journey through Hartland Point and it is an ideal way to explore the point, its landmarks and the scenery.

Radar Station

have a radar station installed on the point and controlled from nearby RAF Hartland Point. This is used for air traffic control of both military and civilian aircraft. The unusual white-dome-topped structure can be seen from distances of up to convert|10|mi|km from the point.

MS Johanna

. The decaying remains of the hull can still be seen.