THE CORNISH PILGRIMAGE – PHASE 3
ALTARNUN TO CAMELFORD
From idyllic Altarnun, a country lane ascends to the wild moor, crosses a desolate aerodrome and then heads north towards Camelford and Arthur’s ancient kingdom of lore and legend.
START: Church of St Nonna, Altarnun.
DISTANCE: 10 miles - moderate/easy.
ROUTE SUMMARY: After an ecclesiastical encounter with the ‘Cathedral of the Moor’, exit at the top right corner of the churchyard and follow the lane uphill past the Traveller’s Rest. Continuing the ascent a mile or so further, brings you to the 16th-century moorland pub, The Rising Sun. Turn left at the inn and follow the road round towards the moor where it links with Route 3. Using the cycle trail, continue across Davidstow Aerodrome, bearing left after a couple of miles to skirt Crowdy Reservoir.
Reaching Roughter Road from here (right turn), descend 2 miles to Victoria Road at the foot of Camelford. A paved A39 passes hotels on each side of the road as it falls gently into town.
CAMELFORD
A lovely community here, aided by the popular Masons Arms, an award-winning chip shop and excellent accommodation which makes it an ideal stopover. The Arthurian Museum along Slaughter Road promises an enthralling visit: as does Arthur’s Castle at the North Coast village of Tintagel.
This destination is a further 6 miles should one be tempted to pursue a more exacting trek to the next pilgrim destination of Padstow.
GETTING TO ALTARNUN: Bodmin Parkway is the nearest train station to the moor. Check to see which bus services are available as village bus timetables change each year. It may be easier to use the train/bus connections to Launceston and then get a bus from there! Please contact Traveline -
Tel: 0871 200 22 33.
PLACES TO STAY: Camelford has 2 hotels and a B&B - I’ve stayed in all of them which I found to be very good.
When on visits, I particularly enjoy my times at the Countryman Hotel. There is also an excellent campsite called St Juliot’s Well but I am unsure whether they will continue with their camping policy for pilgrims. To find out more contact: Tel: 0330 380 1020; www.juliotswell.co.uk/bookings