The Paths of Cornish Saints

By Tony Maniscalco
Cornwall: A Breeding Ground for Celtic Saints

For some reason or other, a large proportion of saints appear to come from Cornwall. This may have something to do with the region's history of Celtic missionaries in the area, although not many of these men were actually canonised. Perhaps the area just has a propensity for converting sinners into saints, and you will return from an English walking break in the area holier than ever.

In the 5th and 6th centuries Celtic missionaries began arriving from Ireland and Wales, and started to convert the local people to Christianity. The story of their arrival is enveloped in myth and legend, with stories of these men sailing across the sea on flimsy leaves, having been passed down through the generations.

On arrival, they were challenged by the great giants of Cornwall, where they fought their foes and, with a little divine intervention, were victorious over their towering opponents. When on a walking holiday in the UK, this region is particularly interesting to visit, as you can discover these stories as you stroll the paths once trodden by the saints themselves.

Celtic Saints Sail to Cornwall

The stories of how the saints sailed to Cornwall are intriguing in themselves. St Budoc braved the stormy seas bobbing across in a barrel, while St Piran made the swim using a millstone as a floating device. It is not recommended that you attempt this feat should you go to the region on an English walking break.

St Ia (the founder of St Ives) and St Fingar were perhaps the most impressive of all, as they sailed across the waters on leaves. A UK walking holiday will see you traversing their paths, and could perhaps turn out to be a spiritually enlightening experience.

A Saint for Tin-Miners

St Piran is the patron saint of tin-miners. He sailed to Penhale Sands with a millstone hung around his neck. It is said that he was thrown off an Irish cliff with the stone, and as he hit the water's surface, the waves ceased and he floated on the stone to Penhale.

He is known as the tin-miner's patron saint because he stumbled across the method for making white tin while sitting at the fireside one evening. The heat from the fire cracked open a hearthstone, revealing the shining white tin inside. Retread the path of this patron saint on your English walking break, as you wander through Penhale Sands, where St Piran is reputed to have lived.

St Piran died when he was 300 years old, one night when he was suffering the effects of inebriation and fell down a well!

Cornwall's Official Saint

St Petroc is the official patron saint of Cornwall, arriving from Wales in AD 540. As legend has it, he rid Cornwall of its last dragon, saving the region from its fiery wrath, and making it safe for your UK walking holidays. He also is said to have turned water into nectar, and converted Constantine to Christianity.

In Bodmin and Padstow, where St Petroc first landed, he established two monasteries. A wander through the region on your English walking break would be well worthwhile, as you follow in the footsteps of this spiritual man.

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing for Ramblers Countrywide Holidays. They are dedicated to providing the very finest English walking breaks at the best value prices.