Carn Euny
From the heights of Caer Bran we step back in time and down into the mysterious underground fogou at Carn Euny ancient settlement. Out into the light and a revival at a sacred Celtic well before heading cross country through beautiful farmland with superb views of St Michael’s Mount; built, they say, by giants.
Distance: 3 miles (5.5 km)
Duration: 2 to 2.5 hours
Start Point: Sancreed Beacon Car Park
OS Grid Reference: SW 415 293
Nearest postcode: TR20 8QT
This walk can easily be extended or reduced to accommodate your pace. The option of Sancreed Beacon offers lovely views of the south coast and an interesting story, should you be one of the fast ones.
A steady climb up to Caer Bran takes us to the remains of one of West Cornwall’s many Iron Age hill forts where there are great views in all directions.
Down to Carn Euny Ancient Settlement, we investigate the village remains and step into the mysterious fogou – an underground cave that just can’t quite be explained. Close your eyes and let your mind drift back 2000 years in the dark and damp beehive hut.
Back into day light, we visit a Celtic well – a sacred place still revered today by many. Perhaps its stories are based on nothing more than a fanciful imagination, or perhaps there is something more to this tranquil spot.b
Conditions: This 3 mile walk is across a variety of terrains. Well worn paths cover much of the route, although certain parts can become muddy after rain. We also cross fields, several stiles and have a relatively steep climb up Caer Bran hill. Walking boots and long trousers for protection from encroaching gorse are recommended.
How to get there:
Directions from east of Penzance:
- Take the A30 towards Penzance.
- At the Tesco roundabout continue along the A30 towards Lands End.
- Go straight over the mini roundabout, still following the signs for Lands End until you reach a roundabout after quarter of a mile. Take the second exit towards Lands End.
- At the next roundabout take the 2nd exit, staying on the A30 towards Lands End.
- Go past the cross roads (Newlyn/St Just) and through the dip at Buryas Bridge.
- After a series of sharp bends is Drift (30 mph limit). As you go uphill through Drift, take the right turn towards Sancreed.
- Follow this narrow road for 1 1/2 miles and turn right at the junction signed Sancreed (ignoring the sign for Carn Euny Ancient Village).b
- Continue into Sancreed village and immediately after the church, take the left turning and after 300m, you will see a long lay by on the right that we use for parking.
Directions from St Ives:
The best route is head out of St Ives on to the A30 and towards Penzance.
- To do this take the main road out of St Ives towards Carbis Bay/Lelant/Hayle until you reach the large round about at Lelant. Take the 3rd exit towards Penzance (you will now be on the A30 going west).
- Follow this road through the various villages until you come to a roundabout after approximately 3 miles. Take the 4th exit towards Penzance/Lands End, staying on the A30 (dual carriageway).
- At the next roundabout take the 2nd exit, staying on the A30 (dual carriageway).
- At the next roundabout (near Tesco) take the 2nd exit (counting the Penzance road as the 1st) and go up the hill (still on the A30).
- Go straight over the mini roundabout, still following the signs for Lands End until you reach a roundabout after quarter of a mile. Take the second exit towards Lands End.
- At the next roundabout take the 2nd exit, staying on the A30 towards Lands End.
- Go past the cross roads (Newlyn/St Just) and through the dip at Buryas Bridge.
- After a series of sharp bends is Drift (30 mph limit). As you go uphill through Drift, take the right turn towards Sancreed.
- Follow this narrow road for 1 1/2 miles and turn right at the junction signed Sancreed (ignoring the sign for Carn Euny Ancient Village).
- Continue into Sancreed village and immediately after the church, take the left turning and after 300m, you will see a long lay by on the right that we use for parking.
