The Cornish Rambler Blog

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Piskies Cove – A Cornish Gem

Piskies Cove, is one of Cornwall’s finest hidden beaches. At low tide there is a reasonably sized section of sand for sunbathers. You should always check the local tide times before visiting. Even if the tide should happen to be in, it can still be a great place to swim, sunbathe or paddle board in the summer months. There are plenty of rocks surrounding the crystal clear blue water to lay down your towel. The cove is a simply stunning location with a very ‘Greek Island’ feel to it. The cove is mostly quiet all year round, avoiding all the usual peak season holiday crowds .

The nearest parking spot is a 15 to 20 minute walk away, so make sure you pack everything you need before you set off. There are no facilities at the beach. Dogs are allowed all year round at this beach. Please note that there are no lifeguards are on duty at Piskies Cove, even in the summer months.

For those with an interest in history, in particular the dark and mysterious chapter of Cornwall’s smuggling past. Piskies Cove is said to be the place that John Carter otherwise known as the King of Prussia, landed his contraband. From there he distributed his illegal goods all around the British Isles.

If you are planning a trip to Piskies Cove as part of a weekend break or longer holiday in Cornwall. There are variety of self catering holiday cottages to choose from in the local area.

Directions to Piskies Cove

To find Piskies Cove, take Prussia Cove turn off from main Penzance to Helston road. Park in the Prussia Cove car park, then walk down onto the South West Coastal Path. Head west and follow the path all the way to the old fisherman’s huts until you reach the cove.

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Holidays in Bude

holidays in Bude

Bude is a popular seaside town located on the North coast of Cornwall near the Devon border. It has been regularly named the UK’s best costal town at the British Travel Awards. The vast spotless golden sandy beaches of Bude are popular with surfers and tourists. Holidays in Bude provide a great place to go walking and explore the North Cornish coastline’s spectacular geology.

Bude is a laid back and endearing corner of Cornwall. The town has plenty of independent restaurants, shops, bar’s and cafe’s to spend the afternoon and evening exploring. The Bude canal, shown in the image above, is also a great place to hire a pedalo and explore the mouth of the River Neet. If you are looking to visit Bude for a short getaway or a that long awaited summer holiday, there are huge variety of holiday cottages in Bude to choose from.

Historically the town of Bude became notable as a ‘safe harbour’ for ships from the winter storms that would lash the North Cornish coastline. The Bude Canal also ran all the way to Launceston. This was used to transport coastal sand and soil that are rich in sea minerals. These deposits would then be used by farmers inland to improve the yields of their crops. The real growth of the town however came during the Victorian era. When it became popular with holiday makers looking to escape the soot filled urban city streets of the industrial revolution.

Directions to Bude

To get to Bude by car via the scenic route, also know as the the ‘Atlantic Highway’. Leave the M5 at Junction 27, and follow the A39 going past Barnstaple & Bideford and then into Bude. For those in a hurry, which is definitely not the Cornish way! Drive South West down the A30 to the Okehampton turn off, then follow the signposts for Bude heading West.

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The Mermaid of Zennor

The small parish of Zennor lies on the North Western Cornish coast, to the untrained eye the village just looks like a picture perfect Cornish settlement. However the local people of Zennor will tell you a story of enchantment & mystery that will point you in the direction of the village church.

The story begins….

….long ago when a beautiful and strange looking lady that seemed ‘not of this earth’ began to appear occasionally at the church services in the village. None of the villages knew who she was or where she came from and she seemed to disappear as quickly as she appeared.

Many of the local men became enchanted by her beauty, her long long flowing gold hair and in particular her unique singing voice, it was also said that her dress ‘shimmered like the sea on a sunny day’. One local man by the name of Matthew Trewella’s became so besotted over time with this beautiful woman that he took it upon himself to find out who she was and where she came from.

After the church service had concluded one Sunday Matthew decided to follow the lady as she made her way towards the towards the steep cliffs to the West of the village. This was the last time that Matthew and the mysterious lady would ever be seen in Zennor.

The Mermaid of Zennor
Many years had passed….

…..since Matthew vanished, so long so that his distraught mother had passed away. But late one summer’s evening the captain of a merchant ship anchored just off the coast to the west of Zennor heard a voice calling out to him. ‘Ship ahoy, ship ahoy’, as the captain leaned over the side of the vessel, a lady with long golden hair was clearly visible in the water. She told the Captain to move the boat as the anchor was blocking the access to her home on the sea bed & her husband Mathy was trapped inside with their children.

The captain fearing that the sight of a what could be a mermaid would bring disaster on the ship, wasted no time in agreeing to this request. As the captain turned away he noticed the the glimmer and swish of tail in the water and the lady was gone! On hearing of the this news from the ship’s captain the local’s decided to commemorate the story by carving the ‘Mermaids Bench’ which can be seen to this day in the church of St Serana in the north of the village.

Directions to Zennor.

Zennor can be easily accessed by car and is located just off the B3306. There is also a regular daily bus service to and from the village.

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St Nectan’s Glen

Visit St Nectan’s Glen, located within a wooded valley close to Tintagel, St Nectans Glen is one of Cornwall’s hidden gems. It also is believed to be a deeply spiritual location by local people and visitors alike.

The history of St Nectan’s Glen goes back as far the 6th century when St Nectan lived a life of solitude in a cave located atop one of the waterfalls in the valley. He was believed to have a bell near the entrance to the cave, which he rang out to warn ships near the coast during stormy weather or when the heavy fog rolled in.

A visit to St Nectan’s Glen will lead you on a walk though enchanting woodland mixed with a wide variety of birds and wildlife. Along the way you will see the signs of piskies & fairies that are believed to exist in these parts. Make sure you look out for the fairy stones, especially down by the babbling stream that winds it’s way along your route. In the distance you will already hear the sound of the waterfalls ahead, but take your time and enjoy the splendour that surrounds you on your journey through this ancient woodland.

It’s worth noting that the woodland trail is around a two mile round trip, so take this into account when you are planning your visit.

visit st nectan's glen

At the end of the woodland trail a trilogy of waterfalls await you. The main attraction is the waterfall located in St Nectan’s Kieve. This is a magnificent 60ft waterfall that has over time forced it’s way through the stone, to produce a spectacular hole where the water cascade’s down into a shallow pool the valley below.

Directions

By car, head from Tintagel to Boscastle on the B3263 road. You can park in the free car park situated just off the road in Trethevy. If you are planning to base your holiday or short break near to St Nectan’s Glen there are a wide range of holiday properties in Cornwall to choose from.

For seasonal opening times and further visitor information visit the St Nectan’s Glen official website.