What does the Cornish word Towan mean?
sand dune
Towan (from Cornish: Tewyn, meaning “sand dune”) is found in many placenames in Cornwall (Porthtowan for example).
Why is it called Mexico towans?
Towan is from the Cornish Tewyn meaning sand dunes, providing a clue to what you will find here in all their marram-grass backed magnificence, but where does Mexico come in?
What did the Vikings call Cornwall?
“Dumnonia” was the Latin name for the region and Cornweal (which became Cornwall) is the name by which the Anglo-Saxons called them. At least until the mid-8th century, the rulers of Dumnonia were probably also the rulers of what we now think of as Cornwall.
How long is Gwithian beach?
three miles
Gwithian Towans beach is a beautiful, quiet Cornish beach that forms part of three miles of beach called The Towans (Cornish for ‘dune’).
Who owns Gwithian beach?
For the past 19 years, the beach has been owned by Dennis Arbon, a trustee of the Hall for Cornwall, the largest theatre in the county. Arbon has donated the beach to the hall, and funds from the sale will go towards supporting the venue.
Who owns gwithian towans?
Are there toilets at Mexico Towans beach?
Facilities: The cafes and there are also toilets near the lifeguard hut at the northern / Gwithian edge of Mexico Towans on the dunes.
Can you walk across the Hayle estuary?
You can walk right round the pool on the public footpath and the western end allows further views of the main estuary. At high tide, especially during the winter, the pool is often used by Divers, Grebes and sea duck for shelter during inclement weather.
What is Mexico Towans?
Mexico Towans forms part of a glorious three miles of sand that starts from the mouth of the Hayle estuary and reaches out to the lighthouse at Godrevy Point.
What is the history of Great Towan?
Gwithian Towans cover the site of a Bronze Age farm which has been excavated although no remains are visible. Upton Town was previously known as Great Towan, which contained an arable farm known as Upton Barton, and included a large area of towan grazing.
What are the different types of towans?
Those named by Ordnance Survey on its mapping are (from south-west to north-east) Lelant Towans, Hayle Towans, Riviere Towans, Mexico Towans, Common Towans, Phillack Towans, Upton Towans and Gwithian Towans.
How high is the Towans above sea level?
Substantial areas of The Towans rise more than 50 metres (160 ft) above sea level, the highest point being 72 metres (236 ft) at Phillack Towans. The southern half of The Towans is in Hayle civil parish and the northern half in Gwinear-Gwithian civil parish.