Soapy Cove/Gew Graze 2014

One mile north of Kynance Cove lies Gew Graze, also known as "Soapy Cove" which was originally believed to be the first location from where the mineral soapstone was extracted for use in Porcelain manufacture in 1748. In the 1700s the mineral was known as "Soaprock" but now described as a "Talc".

Recent research has strongly challenged that theory and there is evidence that the original source was in fact at Kynance Cove.

It is an isolated valley and now a challenging walk down to the Beach. However despite scouring of that beach and recent removal of sand in the winter storms it has retained its unique character.

Below; "Pen Gersick" or "old mullyon", north side of Soapy Cove.

Below; One of the abandoned soaprock Quarry sites on the north side of Gew Graze.

On a recent visit, after much prolonged heavy rain, there were new waterfalls and a fast running stream which gave it a new character.

Below; Passing the free flowing waterfall above the first soaprock quarry at the entrance to Gew Graze 1.3.2014 (Looking east)

Below; The approach to Gew Graze. 1.3.2014 (Looking west) A towering fault line on the left, and brecciated soapstone on the right

Below; A new waterfall has taken a course over the high cliff to the south of Gew Graze, falling into the Cove.1.3.2014

Below; "Soapy Cove"-Gew Graze from above showing site of two 18th C Soapstone Quarries. 1.3.2014

Below; Like Kynance Cove, the sand has been removed leaving a boulder beach.1.3.2014

The reverse view looking up the boulder beach, showing part of the 18th century soapstone site.

Below; This section is the only visible Soapstone left in the Cove. However the quality here was not good enough to use economically.