Easy hikes and walks around St. Goran

Each of the sacred monuments encountered time and again has – despite all the differences in their external design – a common purpose: the cross rising up here is not only intended to catch the viewer's eye, but – and this is primarily the case – to make them think of God. Not only in theological books, but even in secular literature, God's voice is often represented, and this is even frequently the case in crime novels. For example, Ellis Peters set her series of novels about the Benedictine 'Brother Cadfael', set in 12th-century England, in the environment of a monastery. In "The Virgin in the Ice" it says: "And yet life, the holding on to faith, the tenacious struggle with fate had to go on, the land had to be worked year in, year out. Plough and harrow must not rest, and one had to take care of the sowing and harvesting of the fruits of the soil just as one had to take care of the sowing and harvesting of souls here, in monastery and church." I wish the viewer of the cross at Dodman Point a good thought for their soul.

Na Kurz

Each of these crosses, which we repeatedly encounter on the way, is a reminder of the death of Jesus Christ, but the Son of God has not remained in death, but has been resurrected by his Father to eternal life, which is also promised to us Christians. However, such a spiritual theme is not only dealt with in theological books, but also in secular literature, even with particular fondness in crime novels. Many a successful author has therefore woven characters of spiritual standing into their plotlines, such as Ellis Peters, who created the Benedictine 'Brother Cadfael' as the main character in her medieval crime series. "Death accompanies us every day of our lives, and we should not regard it as a threat, but as the gate through which we will all pass on our way to God's grace," says Abbot Radulfus in "The Wedding Murders" when a high-ranking guest of the monastery he presides over is brought back as a corpse. I also wish the viewer of this sacred wayside shrine the same redeeming perspective on the path to God's grace.

When it comes to the beach, you have to pay attention to the tides, which can make it very small.

There is plenty of trail running from Gorran Haven in both directions, including circular routes. The fishing village has a few shops and a picturesque harbour and makes a great start/finish point or stopover on a longer run.

Perched on the tip of Dodman Point you'll find Dodman Cross. Made of granite, its actually a navigational aid for those out at sea rather than a religious monument.

Also known as Vault Beach, the sea on this side of Dodman Point is often calm so it is a great place for a sea swim. It is also dog friendly all year round so a perfect destination for those hiking with four legged friends.

2 Graves Haven