Padstow
OS Grid ref:- SW918751
The ancient town of Padstow, on the North Cornwall coast, was originally referred to as Petrocstow, after St. Petroc, who founded a monastery in the town in the Dark Ages. Nestling on the Camel estuary, Padstow's winnding streets slope down to the harbour. Some of the town's quaint and characterful buildings date from the medieval era.
Padstow Harbour
Reproduced courtesy of Sundial Photographics
Old inns and stone cottages with their colourful sheltered front gardens line the route to the peaceful harbour where the fishing fleet lies moored and where pleasure boats offering bay cruises now abound.
Padstow is the most sheltered port on the north coast of Cornwall, large vessels are prevented from entering the Camel estuary by the Doom Bar sand bar. The town offers no less than three golf courses for enthusiasts, at the seaside links of St. Endonoc, Trevose and the nearby Merlin Golf Club.
The famed Rick Stein's Seafood Restaurant, overlooks the harbour. From the slipway beside the tourist office the Black Tor ferry runs regular services across the estuary to Rock. ( daily, except Sun in Nov - March)
The famous Elizabethan seaman, Sir Walter Raleigh once presided over the sixteenth century courthouse on south quay. Padstow Museum in the Market Place, has exhibitions on the town's lifeboats and shipwrecks. (Open - April - Oct, Mon - Fri, 10.30am - 4.30pm, Sat, 10.30am - 1.30pm)
The cobbled byways and streets climb the valley up to the church of S.Petroc. Just above the church are the grounds of Prideaux Place, an Elizabethan manor dating from 1592, the house was home to the Prideaux-Brune family. The house has a deer park and a restored formal garden. The interesting library is Georgian Gothic and the Great Chamber has an elaborate ceiling depicting biblical scenes.
At nearby St. Endonoc Church stands the grave of the poet laureate and great lover of Cornwall, Sir John Betjemen.
Events in Padstow
The 'Obby 'Oss Festival, a unique folk gathering, celebrating the ancient Cornish custom of the 'Obby 'Oss is held at Prideaux Place every year on 1st May.
The Obby Oss Festival
Walks from Padstow
The Saint's Way
An ancient 26 mile (42km) track across Cornwall, known as the Saint's Way, commences at Padstow harbour. The track was originally used by Bronze and Iron Age traders, in the proceeding centuries, Celtic Christians also used the path, stopping to erect granite crosses.
A walk along a section of the Saint's Way
Distance 7 miles
Duration - around 3 - 4 hours
*From the lych gate at Padstow church proceed along Hill street, then cross New Street and continue along Dennis Lane. Pass the boating lake and turn left at a footpath sign. Continue to follow the Saint's Way for around 3 miles.
*After passing Little Petherick church, the Saint's Way at this point and follow the yellow arrows, crossing a stile then stepping stones and a footbridge to St. Issey church.
*Leave by the north gate and cross the road. Follow the yellow arrow to the right and then turn left after a stile, cross a footbridge and remain on the path passing through a gate keeping the hedge on the right. Turn right upon reaching a road, then left, after a quarter of a mile take the right signed path.
*Continue over a grassy bridge up the left of a long field to reach a gate at another road. Continue on following the signs for 'Old Town Creek' to reach the River Camel. Leave the Halwyn car park, climbing steps to the old railway line, now the Camel Trail and turn left to return to Padstow.
The Camel Trail
Covering 17 the Camel Trail follows the course of the old railway line along the Camel estuary between Blisland and Padstow. The trail can be joined at various points along its route and is open to cyclists and horse riders as well as walkers.