Chun
A two to two and a half hour walk through the heart of Cornwall’s most ancient and rugged landscapes. This is where giants and devils roamed the moors and where miners toiled since long before records began. The superbly preserved Stone Age Chun Quoit and the crumbling remains of Chun Castle compete with views of the North Coast for your attention.
Distance: 3 miles (5.5 km)
Duration: 2 to 2.5 hours
Start Point: Woon Gumpus Car Park
OS Grid Reference: SW 393 334
Nearest postcode: TR19 7TH
Aside from the great views of the north coast, West Penwith’s finest moors and the old mining town of Pendeen, there are three major points of interest on this route.
The first is Chun Quiot, sitting superbly near the hill summit. This fantastic quoit has been in place for thousands of years and has resisted the unfortunate fate of so many other collapsed and vandalised Cornish monuments.
Lying in a sheltered valley below is Bosullow Settlement. These Iron Age remains are almost hidden from the main paths and offer a lovely sense of tranquillity, away from the wind.
Finally we visit Chun Castle. Remains of the grand old hill fort sit forlornly on top of Chun Downs, where they hold on to 2000 years of secrets.
Conditions:
This three mile walk is along well worn tracks and rugged moorland. Most paths are well maintained although can be muddy after heavy rainfall. There is one steep hill to climb and two or three stiles. 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 3rd exit towards St Just/Pendeen (A3071).
- Follow this road for approximately 4 miles, passing through the village of Newbridge.
- Take the right hand turn signposted Pendeen/Morvah/St Ives (B3318).
- Continue for approximately one mile, until you see a turning on the left for Trewellard. Almost opposite this (on the right) is the small gravel car park that we use.
Directions from St Ives
- Follow the north coast road (B3306) for approximately 7 miles, passing Zennor, the Gurnards Head Hotel (a large light coloured building on the right) and along narrow roads with farm buildings on either side.
- Continue through the village of Morvah and on to Pendeen.
- As you pass the ‘Pendeen’ sign, take the left turn towards Penzance/Madron along the B3318 (North Road).
- After a short distance (less than quarter of mile) there is a turning on the right for Trewellard. Almost opposite this (on the left) is the small gravel car park that we use.
