THE CORNISH PILGRIMAGE - PHASE 5
PADSTOW TO PENTEWAN
Old railways tracks, ancient stone monuments and traditional churches make up this fascinating coast-to-coast journey.
START: Padstow.
DISTANCE: 25 – 30 miles subject to choice of route. The Camel trail is easy. The Saints Way and Route 3 are moderate for the greater part.
ROUTE SUMMARY:
Route 1 - By Way of the Saints
Starting at St Petroc’s Church, Padstow provides an opportunity to walk the complete Pilgrim Saints Way Route via Lanliverry, Golant and Fowey. Beyond here, the walk continues along an alternative version of the Saints Way as far as Par: then follows the coast path from Par across Carlyon Bay to Pentewan. Although The Saints Way is well-signposted and easy to follow, this version of the Pilgrimage is a significantly longer and an arduous choice of journey which requires more than 2 days to complete comfortably. However, to mark this section of the Cornish Pilgrimage as a complete Saints Way Walk, the journey affords you an additional (free) pilgrim passport, available from St Petroc’s Church. Please use the credential to obtain extra stamps from the churches along the Saints Way Trail.
Route 2 - Robin’s Way
The modern version differs considerably in that it accommodates cyclists and walkers.
It also forms a shorter, direct coast-to-coast course between Padstow and Pentewan.
It provides great diversity in both landscape and culture as it interacts with ancient and modern Cornish trails such as The Cornish Way; The Camel Trail and The Saints Way route via Luxulyan.
Walking the Camel Trail initially, allows an easy journey to Boscarne Junction (8miles): then bearing right, descend along the track which crosses a river as it nears the Nanstallon village junction. Turn left at the top of the track and walk towards the Bodmin/Lanivet Junction. Be mindful that this stretch of road can become busy as you near the junction so take care! Another option may be to walk through Nanstallon village and cross to the lower Lanivet byway - thus avoiding Bodmin Hospital and the town traffic.
Reaching the outskirts of Bodmin, cross and rejoin the lane opposite.
After walking a further half a mile along this community road, bear right under the railway bridge and follow the winding lane towards Lanivet. After passing a campsite there is a steep ascent leading to the outskirts of Lanivet. From here pass under the A30 and join The Saints Way which despite being a National Footpath, does in fact get considerable traffic use! You should be fine after it interacts with Route 3 at Fenton Pit junction. Now continue along this quieter course to Luxulyan.
From Luxulyan Church, follow Route 3 exclusively as it descends along a narrow road into Luxulyan Valley. It passes Prideaux House near St Blazey (2 miles) and at the next junction it joins a woodland trail opposite which climbs to The Eden Project (1 mile).
A further woodland path links the journey to St Austell where Route 3 winds through the town to the B3273 and Pentewan Tramroad. The tramway takes in more woodlands and follows the river for 3 miles. It eventually reaches its conclusion by the Pentewan River Cycle Hire.
ST AUSTELL BAY
The region is widely known for its china clay production and more significantly older seafaring traditions. Fishing centres such as Mevagissey which were prolific a century ago, have since become more integrated with holiday makers and tourism generally.
The Eden Project has also done much to enhance a visitor trade which these days appears to have ‘no end of season’.
GETTING TO PADSTOW: Mainline trains serve Bodmin Parkway nearly every hour and there are bus services from the station to Padstow. Contact: Traveline -
Tel: 0871 200 22 33.
PLACES TO STAY:
Route 1 - Along the Saints Way
St Benets Abbey, Lanivet - great value for 2 people and comes with a sustaining breakfast. It is only half a mile from the village centre which has a good inn, chip shop and grocer store.
Tel: 01208831352.
The best hostel en route is the idyllic Georgian ‘Penquite House’, YHA Golant PL23 1LA; Tel: 0845 3719019.
HOTELS/B&B
There are ample hostelries available to a weary traveller at Fowey.
Route 2 - Via The Camel Trail/Cornish Way
Using the direct route to Pentewan, there is a camp site near Lanivet, a B&B at Luxulyan and YHA at the Eden Project. There is a B&B at Pentewan and an excellent campsite at Pentewan Sands Campsite/Holiday Park,
Tel: 01726 843485.