Walk 8 - Water Lane, Wheal Butson and Jericho Valley

Page 4 of 4Download PDF

Of particular interest is that the figure-head K of one of them, the Lady Agnes L, has been acquired by the St Agnes Museum after a world wide search.

We now leave the cliff-path. With our backs to the sea, we take the right hand one of the two paths that face inland. This path is known as the Coronation Walk. Wheal Kitty engine-house and other mine workings are to be seen on the left M. This area has become a mini-industrial estate with new workshops and offices N. It is also the home of Surfers Against Sewage, a local pressure group that has grown into an internationally recognised environmental lobby group.

The view to the right overlooks Quay Road, the connection between the village and the Cove. It looks down on the road and sweeps up to show much of the north side of the village displaying many attractive whitepainted houses and a number of "chalet-villages" for holiday makers. The Beacon, the hill that provides our shelter from the westerly gales, is in the background. What can also be seen from this vantage point are a significant number of engine houses that, once again, remind us of the past when St Agnes's population was greater than it is today.

On reaching the end of Coronation Walk turn right into Quay Road and after a few metres turn left into the path that leads to the Glen Cottage. A short, sharp descent, then a long climb that passes this guest-house and then leads past the front of the terrace of cottages known as Stippy Stappy. Although their quaint name is self-explanatory, opinions are divided about their original use, some claim that they were built for mine-captains, others say sea-captains while it is also said that they were for ordinary tin-miners. Today most of them are holiday accommodation.

Then back on to the road to climb the last few metres to the Church on the left and Bakery on the right. The road swings to the left and passes through Churchtown, a busy shopping area before it climbs gently through a more residential part. After such a long walk it is only fair to draw attention to the toilets that are to be found on the right opposite the Post Office.

Keep straight up the road, passing the Meadery and the Miners and Mechanics Institute before turning right to the car-park. It is hoped that you have enjoyed your walk.