St. Mawes
OS Grid ref:- SW 876 357
The small town of St.Mawes, often considered to be the capital of the Roseland, is is situated at the southern end of the Roseland peninsula and looks out over the River Fal to Falmouth. Due to its superb scenery and undulating coastline, St Mawes was chosen as the location for the TV series 'Poldark'. An episode of the TV series 'Hornblower' was also filmed here.
Known in Cornish as Lannvowsed, its name derives from the hermit, St. Mawes or St. Mauditus, a Breton saint, who effected cures by means of water. A chapel dedicated to him once stood in the town with his holy well nearby. The chapel remained in use until the reign of Queen Elizabeth I when it was abandoned.
St. Mawe's has two very good beaches on either side of its picturesque harbour with whitewashed cottages, restaurants, and several shops and a number of galleries. The town's steep and narrow streets rise up from the chharacterful harbour.
The town is guarded by St Mawes Castle, which stands at the seafront. The castle consists of three huge circular bastions (like a clover leaf) and was built in the sixteenth century by the formidable King Henry VIII. it is among the best-preserved of Henry VIII's coastal artillery fortresses, and the most elaborately decorated of them all.
Across the River Fal lies the busy maritime town of Falmouth. St. Mawe's sheltered position and gentle climate have lead to its growing populararity as a yachting centre.The coastal road passes villas with lush Mediterranean style gardens down to the harbour.
St Mawes is a community where life revolves around the sea, boats and yachts constantly anchor very close to the main St Mawes Harbour where the waters are usually calm. The town still has fishing boats working from the harbour and selling their produce on the quay. Ferries leave taking passengers on trips to both the Percuil River and Falmouth, which is less than a mile away by boat, in the summer months. A smaller ferry also runs to the St Anthony Head. The headland is located across from the outer harbour of St Mawes and offers superb walks, coastal views and a lighthouse.
Lamorran Gardens is situated off the Upper Castle Road. The stunning 4 acre sub tropical garden at Lamorran House is in a set in a stunning position with superb sea views to St Anthony's Head and was featured in the Nation's Favourite Gardens programme by the BBC in 2002.
A walk from St. Mawe's to St Just-in-Roseland
Distance - 3.5 miles
Duration 2-3 hours
(1) Commencing at the quay at St Mawes turn left and follow the road along the sea front towards St Mawes Castle.
(2) From the Castle continue north along the coastal footpath the path runs adjacent to the Carrick Roads for a distance of about one mile at which point it forks left and then right. Take the left hand fork and continue to follow the path along the shores of the Carrick Roads to St Just.
(3) On arrival at Church Town Farm pick up the footpath which heads south adjacent to the road. After half a mile you will re-join the A3078 which you need to follow for just over half a mile before picking up the footpath on the left.
(4)The path doubles back at this point and can be followed for another 100 yards where there is a turning left off the main path which will take you down past Bosloggas to the Percuil River.
(5) When you arrive at the river the path turns south. Follow the shores of the river to return to St Mawes.