Discover Saint Issey

Saint Issey combines listed buildings and round barrows with the Camel Trail and a named circular walking route. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in Saint Issey, these different themes may play a role in choosing your destination. The heritage ranges from church architecture to monuments; for walks, you can choose between a surfaced trail and a circular route with named viewpoints.

Churches and monuments

The Church of St Ida in St Issey is a Grade II listed building and retains arcades dating from around the 14th and 15th centuries. For travellers interested in religious architecture, it brings together listed status and a specific architectural feature. The nearby Church of St Petroc Minor dates back to the 14th century and was restored in 1858 and 1908. During the restoration by Sir Ninian Comper, a rood screen, high altar and reredos were added. The architectural highlights therefore differ: at St Ida, the arcades take centre stage; at St Petroc Minor, the restorations and added furnishings do.

Two groups of round barrows can be distinguished by their location and number. Four round barrows lie 270 m northwest of Higher Trevibban Farm, in the parish of St. Issey, and are a Scheduled Monument. They were first listed on 13 February 2003. Three round barrows on St Issey Beacon at Trelow Downs lie 960 m northeast of Little Pennatillies. This group is also a Scheduled Monument in the parish of St. Issey; it was first listed on 5 October 1959. The reference points given help distinguish the groups geographically. The listing dates indicate when they were designated, not when the barrows were constructed.

On the Camel Trail and circular route

The “St Issey to Sea Mills” circular walking route follows the river valley to Little Petherick and continues to Sea Mills. The route offers views along Little Petherick Creek and across the Camel Estuary. Check the route description before setting out; its directions are updated regularly.

The Camel Trail is accessible from St Issey. Old Town Cove is an access point to the trail; signposted paths lead there from St Issey. The Camel Trail is 18 miles long, largely traffic-free, surfaced and almost level. It is suitable for walkers, cyclists, horse riders and wheelchair users. Along the way, you can look out for otters, bats, hazel dormice, kingfishers, little egrets, marsh orchids and marsh marigolds.

There is a specific difference to consider when choosing your route: the Camel Trail is defined by its length and surface, while the circular route follows the river valley and the Saint's Way and offers scenic views. This lets you weigh up whether the route profile or the landscape is more important for planning your day.

Discover more destinations: Penryn, Saint Just in Roseland, Coverack, Gerrans, Leedstown, Menheniot, Blisland, Chacewater

For the wider travel overview: Cornwall.