Attractions and Places To See around St. Cleer - Top 20

St. Cleer is rich in history. You can visit the ancient The Hurlers Stone Circles, believed to be petrified people from the Bronze Age. Other significant sites include King Doniert's Stone, two 9th-century cross slabs, and Trethevy Quoit, a striking Neolithic portal dolmen tomb. The village also features the historic St. Clarus Church and the St. Cleer Holy Well and Cross, a 15th-century wellhead with traditional healing properties. Remnants of the region's mining past, like the South Caradon Mining Site, are also visible.

Yes, the area boasts several unique natural formations. The most famous is The Cheesewring, an immense pile of naturally stacked granite slabs resembling a cheese press. You can also visit Golitha Falls, a series of cascades where the River Fowey flows through Draynes Wood, designated a National Nature Reserve. Additionally, the rugged landscapes of Bodmin Moor, with its granite outcrops and vast expanses, offer stunning natural beauty.

For breathtaking panoramic views, consider hiking to Brown Willy Summit, the highest point in Cornwall, offering views across Bodmin and over Rough Tor. Rough Tor itself is another excellent granite summit with great views. Further afield, Kit Hill Trig Point provides extensive views over the Tamar Valley.

Many of the natural and historical sites are suitable for families, offering opportunities for exploration and learning. The Hurlers Stone Circles are an engaging historical site for all ages. Siblyback Lake offers various watersports and camping facilities, which can be a fun family outing. For more adventurous families, Adrenalin Quarry, a short drive away, provides activities like a large zip wire and cliff-top swing.

St. Cleer is an excellent base for outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including easy routes like the Siblyback Lake Trail or the Golitha Falls loop. For running, popular routes include the Hurlers and The Cheesewring loop from Minions. Mountain biking enthusiasts can also enjoy trails around Siblyback Lake. You can find detailed routes and guides for these activities at Easy hikes around St. Cleer, Running Trails around St. Cleer, and MTB Trails around St. Cleer.

Yes, St. Clarus Church, a Grade I listed parish church, dates back to around 800 AD with 13th and 15th-century additions. It features Norman stonework, a 13th-century font, and a 10th-century cross head in its churchyard. Nearby, the St. Cleer Holy Well and Cross is a Scheduled Monument with a unique 15th-century wellhead, traditionally believed to have healing properties. You can find more information about the parish council and local sites on the St. Cleer Parish Council website.

Absolutely. The area offers several easy walking trails. The Siblyback Lake Trail is a gentle 4.7 km loop perfect for a relaxed walk. You can also enjoy easy loops around Golitha Falls or combine a visit to The Hurlers Stone Circles and The Cheesewring from Minions with an easy 6.4 km route. For more options, refer to the Easy hikes around St. Cleer guide.

St. Cleer is located on the eastern edge of Bodmin Moor, a vast expanse of rugged moorland that significantly defines the region's character. The moor is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a Great Landscape Value area, and a Dark Skies Area. It's home to many of the area's ancient monuments, including the Hurlers Stone Circles and The Cheesewring, and offers opportunities to see wild ponies, cattle, and sheep.

While many sites are well-known, exploring the wider Bodmin Moor can reveal less-frequented spots. The Craddock Stone Circle, a late Neolithic to early Bronze Age site, is a quieter alternative to the Hurlers. Additionally, the extensive remnants of the South Caradon Mining Site offer a glimpse into the region's industrial past, often explored on foot through the moorland.

Golitha Falls is a stunning natural attraction where the River Fowey carves its way through Draynes Wood, creating a series of dramatic cascades and waterfalls. It's a National Nature Reserve and a Site of Special Scientific Interest, renowned for its diverse flora, including mosses and lichens, and wildlife such as otters. It's a popular spot for walks and enjoying the tranquility of nature.

To delve deeper into the local heritage, you can visit the various historical sites mentioned, such as St. Clarus Church, King Doniert's Stone, and Trethevy Quoit. The Cornwall Heritage website provides articles on St. Cleer's historic monuments, and the Cornwall Heritage Trust offers information on sites like St. Cleer's Well.

The best time to visit St. Cleer and its attractions largely depends on your preferences. Spring and summer (April to September) offer milder weather, longer daylight hours, and vibrant landscapes, ideal for hiking and outdoor activities. Autumn brings beautiful fall colors to the woodlands, while winter can offer a stark, dramatic beauty to the moorland, though some paths may be muddy or challenging.