Trethevy to St Nectan’s Glen Walk

The Trethevy to St Nectan’s Glen Walk is a beautifully scenic route with some amazing attractions, which unfortunately means that the trail sees a relatively high volume of foot traffic. In order to experience the beauty and tranquility of the glen without the crowds, as well as secure parking, you will want to make sure that you arrive early or during off-peak times. Additionally, walkers should take note that there is a fee of £6 per person to view the waterfall at the end of the trail. Lastly, the trail can become quite wet and muddy, particularly after a good rainfall, so be sure to wear proper footwear for the conditions.

Even though it may be a busy route, the Trethevy to St Nectan’s Glen Walk is an exceptional adventure that shouldn’t be passed up if you find yourself in this part of Cornwall. The name of the glen comes from a local myth stating that Saint Nectan constructed his hermitage above the falls and rang a silver bell to warn approaching ships of the dangers of the rocky coast. While this has been proven to be a later construct, the site is still believed to have spiritual properties and St Nectan’s Kieve – a 60ft tall cascading waterfall – is visited by many tourists who frequently leave tokens at the site. Whether you decide to walk the trail for its natural beauty or its purported spiritual qualities, it is sure to be a lovely day on the trails of Cornwall.

Setting out from the car park in Trethevy, you will make your way across B3263 and follow the lane on the opposite side towards the southeast. Making a right turn at St Piran’s Church, you will continue along the road as it leads you to the southwest and into the woodland terrain of St Nectan’s Glen.

Keeping straight along the trail, you will explore the tranquil setting of the glen and follow along the banks of the Trevillet River, crossing over it several times as you approach the site of St Nectan’s Kieve. Although you will need to pay the aforementioned fee to view the falls, you will not be disappointed with their beauty. Here, you will be able to gaze out onto the cascading water of the falls that gushes out through a hole in the rock and crashes down 60ft into a pool below.

After taking in the views of the falls, you can pop into the Tree of Life Cafe if you feel like grabbing some refreshments before completing your walk. From here, you will backtrack along the trail and relive the beautiful scenery of the valley, as you work your way back to the trailhead having completed the Trethevy to St Nectan’s Glen Walk.

Trail Highlights

St Nectan’s Glen

St. Nectan’s Glen is a tranquil woodland valley near Tintagel in Cornwall that features a beautiful 60ft waterfall known as St Nectan’s Kieve that flows through a hole in the rock. The glen gets its name from a myth that Saint Nectan had built a hermitage above the waterfall in the 6th Century, although this has been proven to be a later fabrication by Victorian romanticists. Even still, St Nectan’s Glen is believed by many to be one of the most spiritual places in the UK and sees a large number of tourists visit each year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there toilets at St Nectan’s Glen?

There are no toilet facilities along the trail through St Nectan’s Glen; however, there are some once you reach the waterfall.

Are dogs allowed at St Nectan’s Glen?

Dogs are permitted at St Nectan’s Glen, although they must be kept on a lead at all times.