A Sunny EASTER Sunday, we set off from Trehane Farm. The footpath took us through

a grass field to Tredole Farm and beside some lovely stone buildings and walls and by chance we spoke to the stonemason as we passed on the footpath. Crossing a couple more grass fields we emerged at ST NECTANS GLEN . There are toilets a cafe and LOADS MORE here. It is said St Nectan lived in a hermitage at the head of the waterfall. On stormy days he would venture down to the end of Rocky Valley and ring a silver bell to warn ships away from the treacherous rocks. 

We ventured down the footpath to St Pirans church and Well then took the road for a short distance and picked up the Rocky Valley footpath, passing old mill buildings, to the sea.

Following the coast path alongside the cliffs, we veered off into Tintagel village and passing the number of holiday makers we made are way to the church. Lots of see here. The most ancient historic feature, is a Roman milestone dating to the reign of the Emperor Licinius, who died in AD 324 when he was put to death by his rival Constantine. There are 6 bells here, but no ringing during EASTER WEEK. Leaving the church we followed Vicarage Hill, off Bossiney Rd we took the footpath across fields to Fenterleigh where a large cross stands on the crossroads.

At Trevillett we turned off onto a path skirting around the quarry through trees, eventually arriving at TREFORDA Farm where we had a chat with the farmer before heading on a track down across a stream and up to Tredole and back across the field to the cars.

9.6 miles, many ups and downs, many stiles, this is not for the feint hearted, but with the glorious sunshine and lots to see and great company, thoroughly enjoyable.

https://www.britainexpress.com/counties/cornwall/ancient/rock-valley-labyrinths.htm#google_vignette

March 23rd the weather was grey, the wind keen, but our happy band of walkers soon warmed up, setting off from LESNEWTH Church, via footpaths to St Juliot church at Hennett. Thomas Hardy met his future wife, Emma Gifford, the rector’s sister-in-law here. Detailed etchings on the glass window.

We back tracked a little to pick up a lovely trail through the woods alongside the River Valency which eventually took us into Boscastle. Sunday afternoon the bakery, other shops and pubs were open and a good crowd milling around. We watched some ducks on the river then climbed up Forrabury hill to St. Symphorian church, perched high above the town, and went even higher as Peter lead the way up ladders in the tower onto the roof. Just one bell here to chime. Were there plans to have more? Folklore says maybe … the infamous Rev. Hawker, of Morwenstow, wrote a poem “The Bells of Forrabury”.

read the poem and more here.

We were told that when Dawn French visited whilst filming she donated the 2 angels. Urgent repairs are needed to the roof, plaster is falling from the ceiling and a mesh with netting is strung up so the church can remain open.

We stopped at the site of Bottreaux castle, from which Boscastle gets its name, the settlement here predated any harbour settlement and those homes with 1/2 door entrances.

Back into the woods past Home Farm to Minster church, in the 12th century it became a monastic site, bats have taken over the tower now and are well protected. Leaving the church grounds via the woodland track we saw the gravestone to Joan Wytte, wrongly accused of witchcraft at Bodmin, Gaol died 1813.

We dropped down to the river again, over a footbridge to Newmills, another footbridge back over and a steep incline up to the entrance to Trafalgar, track to Treworld and lane back to St Michaels at Lesnewth. TOTAL 8 Miles.

SAME 7 MILE ish WALK, offered on 2 separate days February 9th and 11th both 11am start. Cream Tea to follow for donations.

Meet in Lower Downgate, CALLINGTON, PL17 8LA.

We plan to start walking at 11.00 am, the distance is just over 7 miles of varied ground conditions, Tarmac, Stoney paths, Mud, deep Mud and quite deep Mud. Mostly on quiet lanes or off road trails, short walk on slightly busier road. No dogs please. Bring something for lunch and drink.

Peter and Caroline walk leaders.

Sunday Jan. 12th. 2025. With kind permission of the Williams family, we were able to walk through The Werrington Estate, Eve and James at St Stephens for showing us around and allowing us to climb the tower with amazing views and make noise on the 8 bells, and Norman again for the history lesson at Werrington and 8 bells.

A GREAT walk/s today, TY to all that came on our walk/adventure… Today was in 2 parts … but before we got started we were asked to move some branches at the church.. why not.. we then explored parts of Albaston/Gunnislake most had not walked before…. we picked up a couple walkers along the way, had lots of good conversations, and left them as we arrived back at Calstock church at 3pm… and started the 2nd walk….

6 dropped out and 5 joined us as we headed down to Okel Tor where we had a lovely surprise by John who provided us with ginger cake and warm apple juice… WOW… He’s been really busy.. and we all enjoyed the trail around the mine buildings, (one of our group had worked on restoration here 20 odd years ago)… then Jill gave us a tour of the boat house and eventually… we arrived back at the church and watched the Bell Ringers practising which was also totally amazing.. PHEW !

Total 8miles.

NOT SURE I SHOULD SHARE TOO MANY PHOTOS.. this is what one of our walkers said…

Excellent walk. Brilliant! It was a good outing. All the usual 45 degree ups and downs and a few little pleasant surprises, for me, that I had not explored before, like the garden … ‘Stoney’ Lane,, no longer Stony!! A bit of graveyard clearing thrown in for good measure! Bits I can’t reveal, because I would have to kill you. Weather pleasant, this is November?! AND A few new faces….

Menheniot

Starting at Honicombe Manor.

A great walk from Bere Ferres train station, down to St Andrews church at the waters edge. Inside we discovered lots of interesting artifacts and read about the artist who fell to his death from a ladder when researching the stain glass windows, which are the oldest in Devon. Beautiful bench carvings, tapestries. Graves of the NZ soldiers accidentally killed in WW1, Cholera victims and more.

10:15am we headed along well walked footpaths through woods to Well Farm, onto Maddacleave, NewQuay for our lunch break, onto Morwellham along the train line, in the sunshine. Woodland tracks with autumn leaves to Chimney Rock & onto Bedford mine car park which was being resurfaced with hardcore, a short section of road down to Gunnislake Newbridge. Over the bridge we kept right and took the footpath up to Dimson, onto Station Road and back to the cars by 3:30pm .

A GREAT alternative to the train on the TAMARA WAY !

Sunday October 6th… Starting from Bere Ferres church, then onto Lopwell Dam and Saltash OUR LAST LEG OF THE TCCW.

Hope you’re all recovering 🙂 Don’t think we can top that.. Great photos Caroline, incase we forget… What amazing bellringers we met.. Stan at Tamerton Foliot ready with a hot drink as a group of drowned rats turned up…

and David at Saltash St Nics both were so enthusiastic, knowledgeable and patient 🙂 … So glad the sun came out as we crossed THE TAMAR after following The Tavy for so long..

We have a few churches we’ve missed along the way, but I think we can say We’ve Done The Tamara Way… Our way. TY Peter n Caroline for the support along the way especially checking routes and trains, tides and buses. To everyone who’s been apart of these adventures… There’s more to come …

Calstock train station at 9:20am train to Bere Alston…. Weir Quay cafe tea stop at mile marker 5, onto Bere Ferrers, visit the church/bells/toilet before looping back to Bere Alston.