Tel: (0300) 1234 202
Email: countrysideservice@cormacltd.co.uk
Web: www.cornwall.gov.uk/environment/countryside/cycle-routes-and-trails/st-michaels-way
Web: www.visitcornwall.com/things-to-do/walking/st-michael-s-way
A 12 mile walk from Lelant to St. Michael's Mount in West Cornwall
There is an extensive network of pilgrim routes throughout Europe, all leading to St. James' Cathedral in Santiago de Compostella, Spain. Today, promoted by the Council of Europe, these routes are used by pilgrims and by people who simply enjoy walking through landscapes which are rich in culture and natural charm.
St. Michael's Way is part of the European network of Ways of St. James. The walk follows a route from the church of St. Uny, Lelant, on the north coast of Cornwall, to St. Michael's Mount on the south coast. The route takes walkers to areas of historical and religious significance, enabling them to enjoy the varied landscape as they cross the Cornish peninsula.
St. Michael's Way is on public rights of way and quiet roads. Pilgrim ways are often indicated by the traditional pilgrim's symbol of a scallop shell and this route has been signposted and waymarked in both directions using a stylistic shell based on the Council of Europe's sign for pilgrim routes.
The Way was thought to have been used by pilgrims, missionaries and travellers, especially those from Ireland and Wales, to avoid crossing the treacherous waters around Land's End.
The trail stretches from Lelant to Marazion. Visitors can expect to see a number of sights including the 'Caribbean' style waters around St. Ives, the largest sand dunes in Cornwall at Gwithian and far-reaching views of West Penwith at Trencrom Hill.
At Ludgvan there is a choice of walking directly to Marazion, through Lower Quarter, or extending the route by visiting Gulval and walking back to Marazion along part of the South West Coast Path.
The Way may be joined from St. Ives by following the coast path towards Carbis Bay and from Penzance, by following the road and the coast path towards Marazion.
A circular walk can be formed around the southern part of the route by using both the Lower Quarter and the Gulval alternatives to Marazion. By using local bus services, the route can be shortened at several points.
The route starts in Lelant and follows the South West Coast Path through Carbis Bay before turning inland and climbing up towards Trencom Hill.
Trencom Hill offers fantastic views of both coasts before the path drops into the Red River valley above Crowlas, once a busy mining area. At Ludgvan look out for the church, where William Borlase preached for 52 years, at the same time becoming one of Cornwall’s foremost historians of the 18th century.
From Ludgvan it’s an easy walk through one of the most fertile strips of farmland in the UK and then on to Gulval. The nearby Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens offer a chance to see world class art in amongst sub-tropical gardens, and the kitchen provides wonderful food and drink.
Penzance is now close and the walk along the Coastal Footpath finishes with a stroll along Mount’s Bay and Marazion to the iconic St. Michael’s Mount.
Cornwall's Patron Saints Cornish Celtic Way Walks and Walking in Cornwall