Discover Saint Issey: Camel Trail, River Landscapes and Cultural Heritage

Saint Issey is an interesting choice for a trip that combines activity, landscapes and culture. The Camel Trail, a circular walking route through the river valley, and historic features such as Scheduled Monuments or listed churches offer a range of options for planning your days. Anyone looking for a holiday apartment or holiday cottage can therefore first consider whether the main focus should be on cycling and nature, walking, or history and local crafts.

Cycling or walking along the Camel Trail

The Camel Trail, accessible from St Issey, is suitable for pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders and wheelchair users. From St Issey, Old Town Cove can also be reached as an access point via signposted paths. The Camel Trail is 18 miles long, largely traffic-free, surfaced and almost level. These features make it a clearly defined option for an active day out, without requiring you to commit to a specific section for the day.

The natural surroundings can also be explored attentively along the route. On the Camel Trail, you can look out for otters, bats, hazel dormice, kingfishers, grey herons, marsh orchids and marsh marigolds. For a travel group with different interests, the trail therefore offers not only activity but also specific opportunities to observe wildlife and plants in the landscape.

Walking with views of the creek and estuary

The circular “St Issey to Sea Mills” walking route passes through the river valley and along the Saint's Way to Little Petherick before reaching Sea Mills. Along the way, the route offers views along Little Petherick Creek and across the Camel Estuary. The route is therefore suitable as a standalone walking idea for anyone who wants to experience the character of the landscape from more than just a bicycle. When choosing your accommodation, you can take this route into account alongside access to the Camel Trail and the other cultural attractions.

Churches, barrows and history

The Church of St Ida in St Issey is a Grade II listed building. The arcades, attributed approximately to the 14th and 15th centuries, are particularly noteworthy. The parish of St. Issey is also home to the four barrows 270 m north-west of Higher Trevibban Farm. They are designated as a Scheduled Monument. Three further barrows on St Issey Beacon at Trelow Downs, 960 m north-east of Little Pennatillies, also have this status. Alongside experiences of nature, places like these give the trip a historical perspective without requiring you to devote your entire day to a single theme.

The Sea Mills grain mill is also part of the local history. It was first mentioned in 1675 and ceased operating in 1899. The nearby Church of St Petroc Minor has origins dating back to the 14th century; restorations took place in 1858 and 1908. As part of these restorations, a rood screen, high altar and reredos were added there by Sir Ninian Comper. As another local point of interest, Mellingey Mill Willow Craft Centre grows and processes willow. The Ring O Bells Inn in St Issey is a traditional Cornish inn.

The right base for planning your trip

Which holiday apartment in Saint Issey is right for you depends above all on which of these experiences should shape the rhythm of your trip. If you want to use the Camel Trail, pay attention to the exact location and the stated accessibility when searching. For a walking holiday, the route to Sea Mills with its views takes centre stage. Anyone interested in churches, monuments and local history can include the Church of St Ida, the Church of St Petroc Minor, the barrows and Sea Mills in their own plans.

For more travel ideas, you can also discover Saint Eval, Colan, Saint Cleer, Saint Mawes, Cawsand, Penhallow, St Agnes and Lanivet.

For the higher-level travel overview: Cornwall.