An ancient woodland that surrounds the River Trevillet and a holy site that has connections to Celtic Christianity, King Arthur, faeries, piskies, nymphs, and the veil into the otherworld. It is named for a holy man, Saint Nectan, who dug a heritage into the rock there around 1500 years ago. According to legend, Saint Nectan rang a silver bell in times of stormy weather to warn people of danger in Rocky Valley. Some believe that Saint Nectan is actually buried here under this waterfall with a great treasure! Pilgrims have been visiting this holy site ever since. His hermit’s cell is still here today in The Hermitage and now acts as a meditation room and chapel in the St Nectan’s Glen attraction.
The most famous aspect of St Nectan’s Glen is is St Nectan’s Kieve which is a 60 ft waterfall that cascades through a hole in the rocks. There is a legend that this holy site was where King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table were blessed by Saint Nectan before they set out on their quest for the Holy Grail. Others believe that faeries, nymphs, and piskies live in the valley and so you’ll find lots of wishing ribbons and faerie stacks all over this sacred site. (Similar to the Clootie Wells in Scotland.)
I did find it a tad expensive at £8 per person plus the parking fee but I do personally dislike areas of outstanding beauty ring-fenced for those who can pay.
St Nectan’s Glen address is Trethevy, Tintagel PL34 0BE.
Have you ever visited St Nectan’s Glen?
If you enjoyed this post, you may also like:
NorthCoast 500
Arthur’s Stone
Things to do around Inverness
Arthur’s Seat
Stonehenge
Rollright Stones
Falling Foss Waterfall
Forbidden Corner
Holy Trinity Bone Crypt
Knaresborough & Mother Shipton’s Cave
Aysgarth Falls
Pin it for later:
