Logo

lighthouse-index

Wolf Rock Lighthouse

Wolf Rock, UK

Name and Location

The Wolf Rock Lighthouse is located on a rocky outcrop off the southwestern coast of England, UK, at coordinates 49.9455928° N, 5.80803° W.

Construction and History

Built in 1840, the Wolf Rock Lighthouse is constructed from grey granite, standing at an impressive height of 41 meters (134 feet). Its architectural style is characteristic of the era, with a cylindrical tower topped by a lantern room.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse's architecture is characterized by a cylindrical tower made of grey granite, standing at a height of 41 meters (134 feet).

Light and Navigation

  • The lighthouse's light is characterized as Fl (3) W.15s, emitting white light every 15 seconds for a range of 23 kilometers (14.5 miles).
  • In addition to its primary function as a lighthouse, Wolf Rock also features a radar transponder (racon) and an AIS radio station with MMSI number 992351128.

Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can reach the lighthouse via a guided tour arranged through Trinity House. However, please note that access to the tower itself may be restricted due to safety concerns and ongoing maintenance activities. Opening hours are by arrangement through Trinity House, with entrance fee not applicable (guided tours only). Guided tours are available upon request.

Notable Views and Landscape

The Wolf Rock Lighthouse sits atop a rocky outcrop, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean. The area is known for its rugged coastline, strong tidal currents, and unpredictable weather conditions, making it an ideal location for this important aid to navigation.

Anecdotes and Folklore

Unfortunately, due to the sensitive nature of lighthouse operations and the need for confidentiality, stories about former keepers of Wolf Rock Lighthouse remain scarce. However, we can imagine the challenges these dedicated individuals faced in maintaining the light during harsh weather conditions and keeping the surrounding waters safe for mariners.

Technical and Operational Details

The Wolf Rock Lighthouse is managed by Trinity House, a charity responsible for the maintenance of several important aids to navigation along the UK's coastlines. The lighthouse sits atop a rocky outcrop, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean.

Further Information

For more information on this iconic lighthouse, please refer to its Wikipedia page or visit Trinity House's website for high-quality images and further reading.

Details

NameWolf Rock Lighthouse
City
CountryUk
Coordinates49.9455928, -5.80803
Year of construction1840
Eventsprevention of numerous maritime incidents
Historic significancevital aid to navigation for mariners
Architectural stylecharacteristic of the era
Construction materialgrey granite
Tower height41
Heritage statustrue
Access descriptionGuided tours arranged through Trinity House
Accessibletrue
Parkingtrue
Landscape typerocky coast
View descriptionrugged coastline, strong tidal currents, and unpredictable weather conditions
Guided tourstrue
Facilitiesvisitor parking, restrooms
Opening hoursBy arrangement through Trinity House
Nearby attractionsPenzance, St. Ives
AIS Radartrue
Light characteristicFl (3) W.15s
Light range23