Walk 3

Gorran and Mevagissey
Distance: 7 miles

Enjoy one of the least strenuous and most picturesque views in the Cornish Riviera by attempting this 7 mile walk. Begin at Gorran Churchtown, a village some 300 feet above sea level and named after Saint Guran who moved there after setting up a religious community in Bodmin. The church here is a must to see with its colourful history, collection of fifty-three 16th century bench ends and the brass known as The Lady of Brannel.

You may wish to stop and take a break in Mevagissey; its shops and pubs are hard to resist. Alternatively however, you may wish to carry on to Portmellon and break there.

Portmellon was once a busy fishing community but now thrives as a tranquil village by the sea. Its name is reputed to mean ‘yellow cove’ or ‘mill cove’ although no sign of either the mill or fish cellars which once kept it so busy are evident today. The village however, was a lifesaver to many inhabitants of Mevagissey when it served as a quarantine during the cholera outbreak of 1849.

From Portmellon follow the coastal path down to Gorran Haven taking in Chapel Point and Bodrugan’s Leap en route. Gorran Haven for much of its life was a stronger maritime community than Mevagissey famous for its boat building, crab pot making and numerous fish cellars. A lime kiln close to the harbour was also kept busy burning lime and later as a coal store. You may also hear the village referred to as ‘Portheast’ a corruption of ‘Porth Just’ dedicated to the same Celtic saint of St-Just-in-Roseland and Penwith fame. During the summer months, visitors to the village can also enjoy a fishing trip on board its main working boat ‘Buccaneer’.

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