Finding a path through the dunes to St. Piran's Oratory

St. Piran is the patron saint of tin miners and Cornwall. A walk into the dunes to where St. Piran landed and built an oratory, and later a church. The walk-in, to be fair, could be seen as a little featureless, making the way through the dunes. Looking deeper, and in the eyes of the beholder, there can be plenty to discover, from the flora and fauna to the historic facts relating to the dunes. To find such historic remains in the middle of the dunes poses many questions, but simple to explain.

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 3.42 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 1h 05 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 33 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 27 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 81 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 45 m

Photos

Description of the walk

(S/E) Throughout the dunes, there are many paths and trails from the start. Walking north to northwest along a trail, the path will weave around different-sized dunes. Looking left, there are holiday caravans. After some 750m, a large Christian Cross will come into view; head towards the cross.

(1) Standing up by the cross, looking north and west, to see the coast. The next section is short, the route to it seems like walking away to come back, this being the best approach, heading northeast.

(2) View the Oratory and look to thesea to appreciate the distance. At one point, the sea came inland to around this point, where it is said St. Piran landed. Through time, prevailing winds, and shifting sand, the oratory got buried, and a church was built, but it was also overcome by the shifting sands. Head east a short distance; it is visible, provided there's no fog.

(3) At the Celtic cross, the location of the old church. head south through the dunes and vegetation to the gate and road and turn right to the start. Have in mind this section is approximately 1 mile/1.5km, it may seem to take some time (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 72 m - Lay-by
  2. 1 : km 1.2 - alt. 61 m - Stone Cross
  3. 2 : km 1.59 - alt. 47 m - St. Pirans Oratory
  4. 3 : km 1.95 - alt. 60 m - Stone Cross
  5. S/E : km 3.42 - alt. 72 m - Lay-by

Notes

Although it is only a short walk, having the route downloaded on the Visorando app will assist in directions to keep on track.

Start: This walk's starting point, -W3W >>>

Parking: Vehicle parking - there are parking spaces in the layby for many vehicles.

Timing: The time taken is estimated, to allow extra time, when appropriate, for exploring and personal pace.

Note: Ensure that the highway code is followed and that dogs are kept under control.

Wellbeing: Wear appropriate footwear and clothing for the conditions. Although this is only a short walk, always keep hydrated.

Worth a visit

Perranporth - seaside town.

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The GPS track and description are the property of this route's author. Please do not copy them without permission.