St Nectan's Glen

St Nectan’s Glen is an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Here you can experience St Nectan's Kieve, a spectacular sixty foot waterfall splashing through a hole in the rocks. There are also two additional waterfalls and a beautiful walk to explore, leading through ancient woodland full of ivy clad trees along the banks of the River Trevillet as it sparkles and gurgles busily on it’s journey to the sea.

A place where animals and birds play amid a mysticism of fairies, piskies, serenaded by the wonderful sound of bird song. The area has been appointed a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to rare specimens of plants. Once at the hermitage enjoy a well deserved cream tea or coffee, visit our shop & gallery for gifts to take home and visit the meditation room for a time of self reflection.

This must be Cornwall’s best-kept secret. Across the main road from the car park in Trethevy, up to the right past the inscribed Roman pillar on the roadside by St. Piran’s, a former monastery, and on past some houses before you start the magical journey through St. Nectan’s Glen.

As you progress along paths and slate beds worn into steps over hundreds of years, you will be able to hear the distant murmur of the waterfalls. Don’t rush your journey; pause awhile here and there to absorb the glory of this place. Lose yourself in the amazing beauty, with a sense of time suspended and time eternal, with the wind through the trees, bird song, and the music of the water itself, you stride forward anxious to reach the holy “Kieve”, to visit the saint’s hermitage.

Finally wander down to the Waterfall and experience one of Cornwall’s hidden treasures, one of natures beauties unspoilt by man. Whether you’re on a pilgrimage or a day out the reward is in natures embrace.

Please be aware, the walk is a nature walk and some parts may not be suitable for push chairs and those that find walking difficult.

Weddings and Hand fasting: A place of spiritual pilgrimage since the 5th Century and an ideal setting for any celebration.

Stay and relax at St Nectans Glen Retreat: Nestled in the tree line above the waterfalls, the accommodation is split between two buildings sleeping up to a total of 18 guests. Take advantage of our on site cafe, or we can supply catering, bespoke to your Retreat booking. We can also provide our own chef to cook your meals, or prepare the ingredients for you to cook with your guests. Plenty of places to explore from river to Sea to woodland. We also have our own dedicated workspace studio along with a private treatment room suitable for an array of activities from yoga to meditation to drumming…the list is endless.