To
start: From Falmouth towards
Mawnan Smith. Just before the turn off
for Mawnan Church.
Car Park:There is a small
lay-by near Woodlands (pic 1) House.
Alternatively you can start at Mawnan
Church.
The Walk:From the lay-by take
the gate signposted for Woodlands. Shortly
you will come across a National Trust
signpost for Nansidwell (pic 2). Follow
this path (pic3) down towards the coast.
After a short walk
you will reach Bream Cove or Nansidwell
Beach (pics4-5) . The beach is sandy
in places and is ideal for swimming.
Looking from the beach take the coast
path to the left towards Durgan.
This takes you
through fields (pics 6-7) where you
catch sight of Nansidwell House, built
as an Edwardian summer retreat around
1908. The house was converted into a
hotel but recently converted back into
a private dwelling. There are breathtaking
views over Falmouth Bay towards St.
Anthony's Lighthouse and also towards
Helford River.
Continue over a
bridge and a style (pics 8-9) . The
path leads down some steps into Mawnan
Glebe (pic 11) . You will come across
a National Trust sign for Mawnan Church
(pic 12) . Take the path up onto the
top of the cliff and along the side
of the church.
The Parish Church (pic
14-16) was built in 1231, and
dedicated to St Mawnan (Maunanus).
The church is a very popular spot in
summer because of its location.
The rest of the
walk is along a tarred road to a junction
at the Maenporth - Mawnan Smith road.
Turn right to take you back to the start.
