The Roseland Peninsula - a hidden paradise

Gerrans - Gerrans and neighbouring Portscatho may lie only 5 minutes apart but each one has its own distinctive character. Gerrans lies on top of a hill with its church spire a landmark to fishermen from its neighbour. The village contains several shops in which one can stock up on local produce before walking out into the tranquil countryside or along the coastpath

Portscatho - Portscatho means 'cove of boats' in Cornish and is, as its name implies still home to a thriving, if small, fishing community. There are several good beaches nearby with safe bathing waters and both Portscatho and Gerrans have built up quite a busy tourist trade.

Philleigh & Ruan Lanihorne - Philleigh as a village now is almost lost. It is hard to imagine that for many years it stood on the main London to Land's End road. A 7th century church situated here was replaced in the 13th century, but unfortunately only the tower remains as original medieval stonework, the rest of the church being restored in the 1860's

Portloe - Portloe is a small fishing village with boats fishing for lobster and crab as well as fish. The harbour area is crammed full of pretty cottages with the overspill climbing the hillsides. Excellent refreshment is available at Portloe as it is home to a good Inn, hotel and restaurant

Veryan - Veryan is probably best known for its early 19th century thatched and whitewashed 'Roundhouses'. Although they mark the village in most people's minds many overlook the rest of the village. Veryan has a fine sporting tradition amongst its inhabitants with a splendid Sports Pavilion catering for cricket; tennis; bowls and even Indoor Bowls. The needs of the children have also been well catered for with a good playground. Veryan is consistent with the rest of the Roseland with its powerful atmosphere of tranquility and relaxation.

St. Just-in-Roseland - The main feature of St. Just-in-Roseland is its church. The fine church overlooks a small creek and is set in small but beautifully laid out gardens. There are several peaceful country walks leading along the creek and down to St. Mawes, some 2 miles away. Once again the village seems to flourish in its own tranquility

St. Mawes - The largest village on the Roseland, it lies just across Carrick Roads from Falmouth and therefore thrives on the seasonal trade brought by the tourists. Local rumour has it that St. Mawes is home to 14 millionaires. A large car park in the centre of the village allows the visitor to explore the local shops and Inns. The main watering holes being 'The Rising Sun'; 'The St. Mawes Hotel' and 'The Idle Rocks Hotel'. Look around the harbour area for surely the cheapest fuel in the area, with petrol pumps marked '2/1d' and '2/3d' - unfortunately they are usually sold out! A short walk up to St. Mawes Castle is rewarded by tremendous views of Falmouth across the water. The 16th century Castle is another 'must see' and is open all year round. It is protected for the nation by English Heritage

Tregony (Tregoney) - It may be hard to believe now, but up until the 14th century Tregony was a thriving port on the River Fal. Easily outclassing the far smaller infant ports of Falmouth, Penryn and Truro, Tregony was a centre for the wool trade producing what was known as Tregony Cloth. Unfortunately tin mining operations in nearby St. Stephen caused the upper reaches of the river to silt up and ultimately caused the death of the town as a port and the closure of its harbour. Its ancient Town clock and good pubs may now be Tregony's best features nowadays.

Tolverne - Smugglers Cottage Tolverne & Smugglers Cottage - Possibly one of Cornwall's best kept secrets. Tolverne lies on the eastern shore of the River Fal directly opposite Trelissick Gardens near Feock. Smuggler's Cottage is a beautiful thatched cottage and small tea rooms dating from the 15th century. Set in beautiful surroundings on the river's tranquil eastern bank, visitors to the area should search it out and spend some time there. Take time out to relax while soaking in the atmosphere and learning a little about the history of the area. There is also an excellent 3 hour scenic walk along the Oyster Way from Tolverne to St. Mawes worth trying out. The shingle beaches at Tolverne and Turnaware Point were used, along with the beach at Trebah Gardens, overlooking the Helford, as embarkation points for Allied troops taking part in the D-Day Landings in 1944. On a lighter note, lovers of fine Whisky will be pleased to hear that the 'Smugglers' has a large collection of excellent malts! Tel: 01872 580 309.
Directions: From the west head towards Feock then look for signs to Trelissick and King Harry Ferry. Pass Trelissick on your right and then slow down on the approaches to the ferry. Cross the river and continue up the hill. At the brow of the hill look for a very sharp left hand turning to the Smuggler's Cottage at Tolverne.