St Nectan's Glen facts for kids
Saint Nectan's Glen (which means deep wooded valley of Nathan/Nectan in the Cornish language) is a beautiful woodland area in Trethevy, near Tintagel in north Cornwall. It stretches for about one mile along both sides of the Trevillet River.
The most famous part of the glen is St Nectan's Kieve. This is a stunning 60-foot waterfall that crashes through a natural hole in the rocks. Many visitors come to this special place. Some people believe it is one of the most spiritual spots in the UK. They often leave small items like ribbons, crystals, or carefully stacked stones near the waterfall.
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Discovering Saint Nectan's Glen
Saint Nectan's Glen is a popular spot for visitors. It offers a mix of natural beauty and interesting stories. The glen is a great place to explore nature. It also has a rich history, even if some of it is based on old tales.
The Story of Saint Nectan
Local stories say that in the 500s, a saint named Nectan lived here. He supposedly had a small hermitage, which is a quiet place for a religious person to live alone. This hermitage was said to be right above the waterfall. The legend claims he rang a silver bell. This bell would warn ships about dangerous rocks near the coast during storms.
However, this story is mostly a myth. It was made up by writers in the Victorian era. The valley itself does not have strong religious ties. There are remains of a monastery and a small chapel nearby. These are dedicated to a different saint, St Piran.
What's in a Name?
In 1799, the site was known as Nathan's Cave. It was named after a local person, either Nathan Williams or Nathan Cock. The idea that it's connected to Saint Nectan is a much newer invention. The current trend of leaving "sacred offerings" is also quite recent. You might also hear the waterfall called "Merlin's Well." This name has no basis in any old local traditions.
Buildings in the Glen
You can find a building called The Hermitage in the glen. It's a private home built in the late 1800s or early 1900s. It stands on the remains of an older summer house from the 1700s. Further down the river, you can see the brick ruins of a house called St Gerwyn. This house was destroyed by a fire in the mid-1900s.
Wildlife and Plants in the Glen
Saint Nectan's Glen is a special place for nature. Because of its unique plants and animals, it was named a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1985. This means it's protected for its natural importance.
Rare Plants and Mosses
The glen is often damp and shady. This environment is perfect for many types of bryophytes. These are small, non-flowering plants like mosses and liverworts. The glen is home to some rare ones, including:
- Jubula hutchinsiae (a liverwort)
- Trichocolea tomentella (another liverwort)
- Fissidens curnovii (a moss)
- Fissidens osmundoides (another moss)
Birds of the Waterfall
You might also spot Dippers (Cinclus cinclus) in the glen. These fascinating birds are known for their unique way of finding food. They can actually walk underwater! Dippers often build their nests in the rocks right near Saint Nectan's Kieve waterfall.
Visiting Saint Nectan's Glen
The glen is privately owned, but you can walk through most of it for free. However, there is a small fee to visit the famous waterfall itself.
In 2011, a group called the Friends of St Nectan's Glen tried to buy the site. They wanted to raise money to protect the 14 acres of land. In 2012, a businessman named Guy Mills bought the site and the nearby café. He said he wanted to keep it as "a place of inward reflection and self-realisation for everyone to enjoy." Before its recent updates, the café used to welcome about 10,000 visitors each year.
Images for kids
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The amazing waterfall at St Nectan's Kieve
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The Trevillet River flowing through Saint Nectan's Glen
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The Hermitage building in the glen
