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Saints Way Historic route of the Saints The Saints' Way is an attractive middle-distance walking route of just under 30 miles which crosses Cornwall from Padstow in the north to Fowey in the south. It passes from one major estuary to another. Follows river valleys and traverses the granite spine of the county. It joins a number of religious sites which have connections with the Cornish Saints and Holy Men and parts of the route are of very ancient origin. The route follows existing public rights of way and accords as closely as these rights allow, with a route which could have been used in ancient times to cross the county. The Saints' Way, in historical context, should therefore be regarded as a route which may. in parts, have been used by the Saints, but which certainly offers the opportunity to appreciate the religious significance of the area. Apart from its historic interest, the route passes through areas of attractive scenery and settlements whose location, away from major 20th century routes, has slowed the effect of development. The uplands of St Breock Downs and Helman Tor provide wide-ranging views across the tapestry of landscape from the "White Alps" of the china clay area around St Austell to stretches of untouched moorland. The lush river valleys contrast with the bracing upland heights, and the dramatic Atlantic coastline of the north with the more gentle scenery of the south coast. The Saints' Way project was conceived, in 1984, by Cliff Townes and AIf Fookes from Luxulyan. They uncovered a number of elaborate granite stiles near the village and interested the Co- operative Retail Services Community Project in carrying out clearance work in the parish. This led to the identification of a route from the north to the south coast which was formally opened in May 1986. The route is described in an attractive booklet costing £2.50 (including p&p) available from Cornwall County Council Countryside Access, Transportation and Estates, Central Group Centre, Castle Canyke Road, Bodmin, PL3 I IDZ. Laminated maps are also available, as are maps of other walks in Cornwall. In a foreword to the booklet, the Chairman of the Transport Services Sub-committee, WR Husking, wrote in March 1991: "Long-distance paths, such as this, are never complete. They continue to develop over the years as they are "discovered" by more and more people and their routes are improved and altered with changing circumstances and opportunities. "The County Council is committed to a policy of providing an expanding network of recreational paths throughout the county and over the years since the Saints' Way was first opened, the Council has carried out a programme of maintenance and improvements. including a comprehensive waymarking project. The path is now there to be enjoyed by one and all." And the Bishop of Truro added in a preface: "Being a monastic bishop living at some distance from the nearest priory of our order, but also living in this wonderful kingdom, I feel a great affinity for the Celtic Saints. Not only that, pilgrimage is at the heart of the Christian faith. The Old and New Testaments are full of people who pilgrimaged and nut only changed the world by doing so, but also changed themselves. Pilgrimaging, as the Celtic Saints who came here from Wales, Brittany and Ireland knew, was the experience of and for a lifetime. "Put all those factors together. and following the Saints' Way is a holy day or two that both Cornish men and women, and those with no Tamar water in their veins, would enjoy. Ancient Churches, ancient crosses, wonderful woodlands, breathtaking views (sea-fret days excepted) abound. And hidden behind it all is the mystery of St Petroc and his followers down the ages who beckon us to tread in their footsteps, and see the things that they saw." |
| POLRUAN HOLIDAY CENTRE Come for an away from it all break at our David Bcllarny Conservation Award winning park, adjacent to the coastal path. A brochure is just a phone call away! Tel/Fax: 01726 870263 |
| BED & BREAKFAST Family Room, En Suite H&C Quiet edge of village accommodation 5 min walk to local 12th century pub offering good food Longfleld House, Lanlivery, Nr. Bodmin Telephone: 01208873439 |
| TREGOLLS FARM St Wenn Bodmin Cornwall Telephone 01208 812154 Grade II Farmhouse offering Bed & breakfast Optional evening meal with packed lunches available. Clothes drying facilities, 300 metres from Saints way. |
| Tremorvah BED & BREAKFAST Comfortable Farmhouse with splendid views where John & Wendy Wheeler give warm welcome and a hearty breakfast Prices from £15 £17 en suite Taxi available Good fish Restaurant in village Close to Saint's Way and the Camel Trail Rose Hill, Lanivet, Bodmin, Cornwall Telephone: Bodmin (01208)831379 |
| Trevorrick Farm Cottages St Issey, Nr Padstow Wadebridge, Cornwall PL27 7QH Bed and Breakfast En-Suite Cottages ETB 4 Key Heated Swimming Pool Refreshments and Cream Teas Tel: Rumford (01841) 540574 |
| Penhale Caravan & Camping Park Fowey Cornwall PL23 1JU Tel 01726 833425 Set in a beautiful area for walking, both coastal and inland and crossed by The Saints Way. Caravans for hire and facilities for camping with splendid views. |
| Willowbrook Bed and Breakfast TV in all rooms • Central Heating Tea Making Facilities Ample Parking Willowbrook, Lamorick, Lanivert, Bodmin, Cornwall Tel: (01208) 831670 |
| LANHERRIOT FARM Bed and Breakfast On the edge of the Saints Way, 2miles frnm Fowey Comfort and courtesy in a secluded setting with car parking and a heated swimming pool. Brochure available FOWEY, CORNWALL PL23 1JT Tel: (01726)832637 |
| Lanuah Retreat Centre A Place of Peace, Christian Love & Care Individual, Small Group, Quiet or Retreat Days Fellowship Mornings,Days, Carers Days Prayer Days Weekend, Midweek retreats. Seminars, Church Leaders Meetings, Short Breaks ROBIN & MAGGIE GRIGG, LANUAH RETREAT CENTRE, TREAKILLING, LUXULYAN, BODMIN Tel: (01726) 851 502 |