The Saints’ Way from Padstow to Fowey via Withiel, Lanivet & Helman Tor follows the likely route used by early Christian pilgrims to journey from Ireland & Wales to Brittany & the European Mainland. The establishment of the present-day trail followed the discovery of a section of abandoned pathway surfaced with cobbles and featuring a series of granite stiles near the village of Luxulyan by two villagers in 1984.
Walking in the area of The Saints’ Way, from Padstow on the north Cornish coast to Fowey on the south, offers a richly varied route through Cornwall’s heartland. This ancient pilgrimage path, follows a historic trading and spiritual route once used by Celtic missionaries and travellers. Beginning at Padstow, walkers can enjoy coastal views before heading inland toward Withiel and Lanivet, the geographical centre of Cornwall. From there, the path climbs to Helman Tor, a granite hill offering panoramic views over central Cornwall. This area features hill walks across moorland and through ancient woodland, with nearby Red Moor and Breney Common nature reserves offering peaceful wildlife-rich trails.
Continuing on through Luxulyan and the historic Luxulyan Valley, walkers can admire industrial heritage such as the remarkable Treffry Viaduct, a combination of railway bridge and aqueduct from the 19th century. The route follows rivers and woodland paths past St Blazey, Lanlivery, and along the wooded banks of the River Fowey, eventually arriving at the charming estuary town of Fowey. This area combines spiritual heritage with natural beauty, and features historic houses, like Prideaux Place near Padstow, and medieval churches. With dramatic hills, tranquil rivers, and heritage landmarks, it is one of Cornwall’s most evocative walking journeys.
The surrounding countryside includes rolling pastures of ancient farmland, valleys, moors, woodlands, pretty villages, pre-historic remains, ancient bridges, churches (passport stamp locations*) and old tracks. This walk map features Ordnance Survey (OS) data at an enhanced scale of 1:16,000 showing the 29 mile route on both sides enabling the more adventurous to complete the pilgrimage route in one day.
*Truro Diocese publishes a Saints’ Way passport which can be stamped at any of the 12 marked churches on or near the route following in the footsteps of the pilgrims.
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