THE CORNISH PILGRIMAGE – PHASE 8
LANNER TO ST IVES
This phase shows further insight into Cornwall’s industrial past as it interacts with the Tresavean Tramroad, the Great Flat Lode and Route 3. At Hayle, the trail follows the coast path to St Uny Church, Lelant which is the official start of the St Michael’s Way. From here the journey continues first to Carbis Bay, before finishing the day at one of the kingdom’s most prolific tourist destinations.
START: At the top of Lanner on Tram Cross Lane.
DISTANCE: 25 miles.
ROUTE SUMMARY: Those leaving the campsite at the Star Inn, cross the road and follow Route 3 to Gwennap Pit. Continue 300 yards along the road to the Carn Marth Quarry footpath marked with yellow/black tape. Turning right, walk up the stone track, then bear right again at the top. Continue uphill to the main quarry lake: then keeping left, descend to Pennance Consols Mine stack. Turn right here and walk 400 yards round (bearing left) to the Lanner Road. Now look for the mineral trail signs, then cross the main road to join Tram Cross Lane. After reaching the Tresavean Junction, (opposite The Old Railway Yard B&B) continue ascending for a quarter of a mile until reaching the next byway on the right. The track begins next to a huge stone marker of Lanner and follows the course of the old Hayle Railway. The tram road continues along Copper Lane to Churchtown where it becomes part of Route 3.
After climbing to the carne, the journey interacts with The Great Flat Lode Trail as it follows a sealed track to Pool, (and Heartlands if you want a short cut to Camborne along the new paved road).
Staying on Route 3 ensures a continuous passage through the once prolific mining town of Camborne and neighbouring communities of Penponds, Carnhell Green and Gwineer. The latter stages of the journey provide panoramic views of railway viaducts and the north coast as it follows its natural course into Copperhouse and Hayle Estuary.
Beyond Hayle Viaduct, stay on the coast path to St Uny Church, Lelant (mostly adopts paved road). Once there, you can obtain an additional free passport to walk the
St Michael’s Way. Setting off beside the golf course, the route interacts with both the
St Michael’s Way (The natural pilgrim trail) and coast path to St Ives (night stopover).
If on two wheels and hoping to stay in St Ives, you need to follow the cycle route from the village of Lelant to St Ives. However, please note that the proposed cycle route from Hayle to St Michael's Mount exclusively follows Route 3 (via St Erth) and is less than 10 miles. If staying at St Ives it will be necessary to backtrack to Hayle to reconnect with Route 3. You don’t need to enter Hayle - you can find the link to St Erth just before the town entrance by the car wash garage opposite the estuary.
ST IVES
St Ives has flourished as a vibrant residential town, initially benefitting from the pilchard fishing industry and the age of the train which helped it develop its present day tourist trade. It is particularly popular amongst artists who enjoy the beneficial light, and the Tate Gallery ensures a strong patronage throughout the year.
GETTING TO LANNER:
U2Bus (Falmouth service) and Bus 46 (Truro) operates between Redruth Railway Station and Lanner Village – a distance of just 2 miles.
GETTING TO CARHARRACK:
Bus 40 runs between Redruth Railway Station and Truro on a village route which serves both St Day and Carharrack.
PLACES TO STAY: Cohorts, St Ives Backpackers. Tel: 01736 791664; The Western Hotel. Tel: 01736 795277.
CAMPSITES: There is an excellent campsite above Porthmeor Beach: Ayr Holiday Park, Ayr Terrace, St Ives TR26 1EJ.
Tel: 01736 795855.
There may be other camp sites along the
St Michael's Way route.