Report of circular walk
St Just in Roseland Church to St Mawes
and back along the Percuil River.
Tuesday 8th September 2026
Ten members of the walking group put their trust in the weather forecast and we were rewarded by blue sky once we arrived at the church of St Just in Roseland. It is a magnificent church for such a small place, and its grounds have been planted with tropical trees and shrubs such that it is almost a botanic garden. We did not have time to look around the church but it is well worth a visit.
The footpath winds its way along the Carrick Roads where there is Europe's only fishery entirely under sail catch oysters using the traditional methods. The walk passes by St Mawes Castle, built by Henry VIII in 1540 as one of a pair, the other being Pendennis Castle at the other side of the Fal Estuary. It was used in both World Wars and is consequently in remarkable condition. It contains a bronze cannon The Alberghetti Gun, though to have come from a ship sunk by the English in 1603 and retrieved from the seabed in 1975.
The route then goes through the very picturesque village of St Mawes where we headed for the deli which sells delicious crab sandwiches, a treat that many of the group had been looking forward to for the last 2 weeks ever since I advertised the walk!
Five members of the group had opted to just do this first leg of the walk and they caught the 1.00pm which takes you back to the church car park in only 10 minutes.
I led the other four walkers back to St Just in Roseland for a two-hour walk which was new to them and which takes you along the Percuil river where we were sheltered from the wind and then high up through fields where we got windswept! Fortunately, all the gates were open, so we did not have to clamber up any stiles!
The café by the church was still open and three of us could not resist the temptation of afternoon refreshments. We popped into the discovery centre which opened in 2025. It was about to close and we agreed that it would be worth coming back to visit it.
A circular walk Milltown/Lantyan Woods on 30th June 2026
It was lucky 13 for that tally of walkers who turned out for the 3rd attempt at this relatively short, approx 4 mile, local walk which had been scuppered on two previous occasions, once by torrential rain and then, unusually, by a heatwave.
We began with a climb out of Lostwithiel and then the walk allows magnificent views of the surrounding countryside, across Fowey estuary and beyond. Once again we were surprised and pleased that at least two of our group had not walked this route before.
No cafes en route of course but a flask of tea and a biscuit was enjoyed in one of the fields on the way. and several frequented the Mess Hall at the end for a light bite.
A report of a circular walk from Gorran Haven to Portmellon 28th April 2026
The weather was looking kind to us with the sun shining and a gentle breeze we set off to the starting point for the walk – the slipway at Gorran Haven. Whilst waiting for all 12 fellow walkers to arrive the weather became cooler and a bit overcast.
Setting off at 10.35 we climbed out of Gorran Haven to join the costal path with extensive views behind us overlooking the village.
The walk took us along the costal path with its ups and downs. Although it was cooler today than recent days it was a pleasurable temperature to be walking in.
On reaching Chapel Point one of the group informed us that they used to work in one of the impressive houses there and often took their breakfast down to the boat house (lucky person). The farmer was carrying out repairs to the gate/fence close to Colona beach which forced us to walk either across a steam or the some clever people across the beach before returning to the footpath that led us to Portmellon.
Down the hill we went towards the beach and more importantly the Coffee Shack for lunch and a well-deserved break. After sampling the coffee, pasties and cake we set off once again on the return leg. As usual we encounter a long climb straight after our lunch break but with a few stops we all make it to the top.
At some stage we have a quick discussion about the mobile app What 3 Words and its use.
The final part of the walk took us across another field before dropping down to Gorran Haven along Cliff Road to the slipway.
Several members of the group decided to have a drink at the café before setting off home.
The walk was approx. 5.5 miles.
A report of a circular walk from Golitha Falls around Siblyback Lake on 31st March 2026
On waking up and looking out of our window the weather was not looking too good, very misty however as it was not raining , I decided to go for it.
Seventeen members of the walking group found their way to the car park at Golitha Falls from where we set off at 10:30am after a quick catch up.
We headed along the road to the lower entrance for the Lake. Passing through the field we saw some very young lambs one of which ran in our direction but seeing us at close range decided it was best to return to her mum.
A quick stop by the dam for a photo showed the misty weather. As the walk continued the weather cleared and the sun shone down on us.
Arriving at the café in traditional style food and drinks were consumed by us all sat outside in the sunshine.
After a relaxed lunch we set off on our return journey to the falls with an option for people to explore the falls on their own.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Report of Walk on Tuesday 10th March 2026.
Detective Themed Treasure Trail around Fowey Gardens & Esplanade
It was a different kind of walk this time, when 17 walkers set off in 2/3 groups to solve clues to find members of a shadowy group known as APEX, the Anti Pasty Extremists. This crooked band of people were trying to scupper the famous Giant Pasty Ceremony in Fowey and had to be stopped!
This bit of nonsense meant searching for names and dates on memorials and plaques on pubs and buildings, taking the intrepid explorers into public gardens and along tiny back streets.
For once the weather was kind and some stopped for coffee in town whilst others took in the spectacular sea views at Readymoney Beach.
