KYNANCE COVE

Three years ago, a group of people walking near Kynance Cove, expecting a high from the sound of the crashing waves and the bracing fresh sea air, got more than they bargained for when they discovered several packages of cocaine with an estimated street value of millions of pounds. This was a rare 21st century tale of smuggling in a part of the world awash with a centuries’ old smuggling history. It is easy to imagine this spot as a mecca for smugglers, with its intricate cliffs, caves and rockpools, providing a wealth of hiding places for ill-gotten gains. The cove has had its share of distinguised visitors over the years, including Lord Tennyson and Prince Albert, not surprisingly given the beautiful white sand and turquoise water which grace this place. Offshore is a small island called Asparagus Island, named after the Asparagus Officinalis which grows there.

Map of the area.