The massive cliffs that fringe the bleak St. Agnes Head, south of the tranquil fishing village of St. Agnes, are some of the most impressive but least ventured upon in the West Country. The various buttresses and walls collectively known as Carn Gowla reach their highest around the headland, and are serious cliffs that drop straight into the relentless Atlantic swell. The climbs described here are some of the better travelled at Carn Gowla, although it is rare to see another party on the cliffs. The approaches to, and the abseils themselves, need to be carefully executed with due regard to the prevailing sea conditions. These considerations combined with the isolation and at times unsettling rock quality means that Carn Gowla will not appeal to all. However, for climbers looking for adventure on a grand scale this is a cliff that is unlikely to disappoint, and if caught on a calm summer\'s afternoon, or a wild spring day, will be a spot not to be forgotten.