THE CORNISH PILGRIMAGE – PHASE 6
PENTEWAN TO KING HARRY FERRY
The journey interacts between coast path, Cornish Way and local bridleways.
START: Pentewan Campsite (the coast path sign is by the front entrance).
DISTANCE: 16 miles. (an additional 4-mile round trip to St Mawes is optional).
ROUTE SUMMARY: Continuing the Pilgrimage from Pentewan Campsite, walk the coast path to Mevagissey where there are a couple of pleasant harbour-side cafes serving breakfast after 8am. Leaving town, continue on the coast path to Portmellon. Beyond the harbour, the path gives way to Route 3 which follows a series of coast lanes to St Michael Caerhay’s Castle. Nearing the estate, locate the footpath reached from a field cut at the top of a hill (signposted as a footpath and marked in black/yellow tape). The descent through the estate grounds affords panoramic views of Porthluney Cove where there is an outdoor beach cafe with toilets.
After leaving the beach, a steep ascent along the coast path makes up the journey to Portholland and idyllic Portloe. It’s a tough hike over Veryan Bay, so ensure you have adequate water for a 3-hour slog!
You may seek refreshment at the characterful Ship Inn in Portloe, and soon after resumption the initial road ascent links with a footpath on the right signposted to Veryan. The route traverses several fields and nearing conclusion, takes in the round houses of Veryan. These thatched cottages were built round so the Devil could find no corner to hide!
A further descent of half a mile leads to the village centre where there are both shop and inn. The remainder of this section continues along Route 3 to Philleigh; finally crossing the Fal to Trelissick Garden via King Harry Ferry (be mindful that there is no accommodation at the ferry points). Before walking the final section it may well be worth taking an excursion along the coast path to St Mawes, (or even Falmouth via the ferry) where facilities and provision of a night stopover are aplenty.
The lovely walk back along the estuary to King Harry Ferry allows a glimpse of the past through King Henry V111’s St Mawes Castle and the beautiful church at St Just-in- Roseland which is equally sublime in its serenity.
GETTING TO PENTEWAN: Bus services to the Roseland Coast run from mainline
St Austell railway station.
Traveline – Tel: 0871 200 22 33
PLACES TO STAY: Situated near the village quay, The Rising Sun at St Mawes is a popular inn with idyllic views of Roseland:
Tel: 01326 270233.
There are other guest houses/ inns here and the busy town of Falmouth is only 30 minutes across the water by ferry. Owing to its popularity there are plenty of places to stay.
In addition, there are innumerable pubs and restaurants making it an excellent night stopover.
CAMPSITES: There are a few campsites along the pilgrim route: The one at Boswinger is situated on Route 3 (there is also an excellent YHA nearby on the coast path). Veryan has a village pub - The New Inn which provides food and accommodation. You may also find other campsites if you research the local web pages.
It may be possible to pitch a tent at St Just-in-Roseland. For more information contact: www.pitchup.com/Camping