When we think of Cornwall it’s the sea and beaches that probably first spring to mind, yet here in this area in the Far West we have some beautiful moorland and in some higher places you can view both the North and the South coast from the same spot! It’s magical! An interesting mining landscape too.
Walk along the cinder track admiring the views of St Michaels Mount in the distance to the right and the sea at Morvah and towards Zennor on the left. Turning left onto the moors a bit further on and we come across Nine Maidens – an ancient stone circle dating back to the 17th century.
Further on is Four Parishes stone where as the name suggests the four local parishes meet. A little beyond is Men Scryfa – a standing stone in the middle of a field dating back to medieval times.
Definitely worth the stop, then back onto the track abut half a mile further on is Men an Tol a Bronze Age holed stone with two uprights – iconic stones featuring on many a postcard in the past.
Opposite the stile to Men an Tol is a wonderful derelict farmstead – agriculture of the past and a family and an existence we never knew. Then back to Four Parishes Stone and up over Can Galver to gaze down onto Rosemergy Mine and Bosigran Cliff and the vast Atlantic Ocean below. A perfect spot to pull the thermos out of the rucksack and savour that view. It’s one of my absolute favourites!
The path winds its way down to the road where you can pick up the odd passing bus – well maybe but a better chance in the Summer or more dependable would be prior organisation of a car parked by the mine buildings below. We took that option and then carried on the coast road to Geevor Mine and rewarded ourselves with an all day cooked breakfast!
Cornwall has so much more to offer than at first glance!
