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<< Our Photo Pages >> St Nectan's Glen - Holy Well or Sacred Spring in England in Cornwall

Submitted by Thorgrim on Thursday, 25 March 2004  Page Views: 42355

Springs and Holy WellsSite Name: St Nectan's Glen
Country: England County: Cornwall Type: Holy Well or Sacred Spring
Nearest Town: Camelford  Nearest Village: Trethevy
Map Ref: SX080885  Landranger Map Number: 190
Latitude: 50.664435N  Longitude: 4.718162W
Condition:
5Perfect
4Almost Perfect
3Reasonable but with some damage
2Ruined but still recognisable as an ancient site
1Pretty much destroyed, possibly visible as crop marks
0No data.
-1Completely destroyed
 5 Ambience:
5Superb
4Good
3Ordinary
2Not Good
1Awful
0No data.
 5 Access:
5Can be driven to, probably with disabled access
4Short walk on a footpath
3Requiring a bit more of a walk
2A long walk
1In the middle of nowhere, a nightmare to find
0No data.
 3 Accuracy:
5co-ordinates taken by GPS or official recorded co-ordinates
4co-ordinates scaled from a detailed map
3co-ordinates scaled from a bad map
2co-ordinates of the nearest village
1co-ordinates of the nearest town
0no data
 4

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MicheleW visited on 1st Jan 2010 - their rating: Cond: 4 Amb: 5 Access: 3

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Average ratings for this site from all visit loggers: Condition: 4.5 Ambience: 4.75 Access: 3

St Nectan's Glen
St Nectan's Glen submitted by Thorgrim : St Nectan's Glen has been described as amongst the ten most important spiritual sites in the country. (SX080885) There never was a St Nectan, the name is a Christianised form of the Cornish water god - Nechtan. The way down to the water is steep and slippery, but so beautiful. Hundreds of clouties, messages and small offerings crowd the minute ledges of the steep sides of the glen. It can onl... (Vote or comment on this photo)
Located deep in a hidden valley near Tintagel and not far from Rocky Glen, St Nectan's Glen has been described as amongst the ten most important spiritual sites in the country.

There never was a St Nectan, the name is a Christianised form of the Cornish water god - Nechtan. The way down to the water is steep and slippery, but so beautiful. Hundreds of clouties, messages and small offerings crowd the minute ledges of the steep sides of the glen. It can only be reached on foot, but it is well worth the effort.

The well house is at the entrance to the glen and is in a poor state.

For more information, see http://www.stnectan.currantbun.com/
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St Nectan's Glen
St Nectan's Glen submitted by cazzyjane : St Nectan's Glen. A breathtaking place to visit, though there is an entry fee to enter the tea gardens and follow the slippery muddy path down to see the waterfall. The little path to view the 'kieve' itself has now unfortunately been closed off for heath and safety reasons. (Vote or comment on this photo)

St Nectan's Glen
St Nectan's Glen submitted by cromagnonman : These are coins, some very old. I've seen this custom near water sites elsewhere but not sure what it means? (Vote or comment on this photo)

St Nectan's Glen
St Nectan's Glen submitted by cromagnonman : St Nectan's Glen (Vote or comment on this photo)

St Nectan's Glen
St Nectan's Glen submitted by Antonine : 2007 (Vote or comment on this photo)

St Nectan's Glen
St Nectan's Glen submitted by Antonine

St Nectan's Glen
St Nectan's Glen submitted by Bladup : St Nectan's Glen.

St Nectan's Glen
St Nectan's Glen submitted by rgoodenough : Lovely brooch token.

St Nectan's Glen
St Nectan's Glen submitted by rgoodenough : Stones and heart shaped mirrors.

St Nectan's Glen
St Nectan's Glen submitted by rgoodenough : One of the many piles of stones and dedications in St. Nectans.

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Nearby sites listing. In the following links * = Image available
 720m NW 324° Trethevey Roman Stone* Sculptured Stone (SX076891)
 777m NNW 332° St Peran's Well* Holy Well or Sacred Spring (SX07668920)
 847m WSW 256° Fenterleigh* Ancient Cross (SX07178832)
 1.0km NNW 347° King Arthur's Quoit* Chambered Tomb (SX07808951)
 1.1km NW 317° Rocky Valley* Carving (SX073893)
 1.4km W 276° Bossiney Mound* Artificial Mound (SX066887)
 1.5km N 2° Trevalga Cross* Ancient Cross (SX081900)
 1.7km SE 139° Condolden Barrow* Round Barrow(s) (SX09058718)
 2.1km WNW 299° Bossiney Settlement* Ancient Village or Settlement (SX062896)
 2.2km N 351° Ladies' Window* Natural Stone / Erratic / Other Natural Feature (SX07749069)
 2.2km W 266° Aelnet's Cross (Tintagel)* Ancient Cross (SX0575888410)
 2.3km W 263° Merlins Cave Modern Stone Circle* Modern Stone Circle etc (SX057883)
 2.5km NNE 19° Western Blackapit Caves Cave or Rock Shelter (SX089908)
 2.7km NNE 22° Western Blackapit Cave Cave or Rock Shelter (SX091910)
 2.7km W 268° Standing stone near Wootons Inn* Marker Stone (SX05268851)
 2.8km W 266° Tintagel Earthwork Misc. Earthwork (SX052884)
 2.8km NNE 31° Forrabury Cross* Ancient Cross (SX09559085)
 2.9km W 280° Barras Nose Cave* Cave or Rock Shelter (SX052891)
 2.9km W 278° Merlin's Cave (Cornwall)* Cave or Rock Shelter (SX05118903)
 2.9km W 268° St. Materiana standing stone* Standing Stone (Menhir) (SX05058850)
 3.0km NNE 22° Boscastle Settlement* Ancient Village or Settlement (SX092912)
 3.0km W 267° St Materiana's Church (Tintagel)* Ancient Cross (SX05038845)
 3.0km WSW 258° Glebe Cliff Tumulus* Round Barrow(s) (SX050880)
 3.1km W 280° Tintagel Cliff Castle* Promontory Fort / Cliff Castle (SX0498489124)
 3.1km WSW 245° Hole Beach Caves Cave or Rock Shelter (SX051873)
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Cornovia: Ancient Sites of Cornwall and Scilly, Craig Weatherhill

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"St Nectan's Glen" | Login/Create an Account | 12 News and Comments
  
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Re: St Nectan's Glen by theSongofFfraed on Saturday, 17 August 2019
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I think it was in the late 90s I first visited St. Nectan’s Glen and waterfall. To this day, for me it remains one of the most spiritually profound locations that I have ever visited.



After a lazy ramble through the glen I arrived at the steep, foot-worn slate steps that wind up to the hermitage at the top of the waterfall. I was in luck; I had the place to myself. I was warmly welcomed by the custodian of St Nectan's who made me a refreshing cup of tea before I eagerly picked my way reverently down some more foot-polished slate stairs to the bottom of the waterfall. Such beauty. It is truly awe-inspiring!... so much so that the genius artist, and friend of Charles Dickens and other notables of the era, Daniel Maclise, was moved to for his famous painting, "Waterfall at St Knighton’s Kieve, near Tintagel," which hangs in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Entranced, I took a photograph of the gushing falls tumbling over the twenty-foot kieve and sensed a deep need to meditate in this, 'the most perfect of place'. Squatting, facing the cascading waters, I soon was oblivious to mundane things, and in no time, I was tuning into intriguing visions and with them prophetic information.

When I opened my eyes, I took three photographs of the waterfall scene, wandered along the stream to St Nectan's sisters' final resting place, sat a while longer and then re climbed the steps to the hermitage.

There is a delightful room carved into the rock beneath the present buildings, which is said to be the site of St Nectan's cell. Here, while one sits in this tranquil and private place, one feels somehow not of this world, not of this time, and a feeling flows through you that when you do open the door, you will be back in a time, almost forgotten, with the Good St Nectan.

Those three photos, when I had them developed, were something else!

https://ellistaylor.files.wordpress.com/2019/08/stnect-photosinsequ800-1-e1566053419171.png They are in sequence. Note the bright white light at bottom right in the first one; that, I think, is the beginning of it.

It appears that almost all the energy has been employed to create these serpentine spirals. If you look carefully the stream of the waterfall can be seen.

*I have other photos of similar spirals in other places. I’ve also seen photographs of such energy forms taken by other people.

I have come across another glen and waterfall with ruins next to it in Pembrokeshire that could almost be a sister site to St. Nectan’s. I’ve asked around but cannot find anyone who knows anything about the ruins yet. I have also enquired with Dyfed Archaeology but had no response. Like St. Nectan’s this waterfall is very close to the sea. The little river it is on is called the Afon Fforest and Cerrig-y-Gof chambers are close by.

https://ellistaylor.files.wordpress.com/2019/08/fforest-waterfall-1-ellis-484.png [Admin edited 17 Aug 2019 to make links live]
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St Nectan's Glen by lucasn on Thursday, 28 June 2018
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Re: St Nectan's Glen by Anonymous on Monday, 07 May 2012
-the waterfall is beautiful, but it is in the cell/room above, as you stand by the natural stone/altar where the energy travels up..... on the major lay line to Avebury, it adds up. Has this place got more to do with the original settlements at Tintagel and the possible Arthur legend than we know?
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Re: St Nectan's Glen by Sunny100 on Sunday, 04 September 2011
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I beg to differ Thorgrim - there was "probably" a St Nectan. He was the eldest son of King Brychan of Wales and brother of St Morwenna (of Morwenstow) in the 5th-6th century AD.

There was, however, a 7th century King called Nechtan of Scotland, perhaps one and the same as St Nechtan of Kilnaughton, Isle of Islay, who came from Ireland.

St Nectan, a Welsh monk, travelled from south Wales to Cornwall in 500 AD and became a hermit near Tintagel (at St Nectans Glen) where he died in 510 AD and is honoured in Cornwall and at Hartland in Devon on 17th June.
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Re: St Nectan's Glen - Nice place, shame about the entrance fee. by Runemage on Friday, 29 July 2011
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Isn't the charge only for the waterfall and tearooms area with the whole of the Glen being free access?

Last I heard, it's for sale. A couple called Barry and Jean have owned it for the last 30 years or so. Jean recently passed away and Barry is managing on his own until such time as a new owners are found. This was the position in Feb this year. If anyone has any update, please let us know.

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g186234-d217999-Reviews-St_Nectan_s_Glen-Cornwall_England.html#REVIEWS
barryatstnectan, Owner at St. Nectan's Glen, responded to this review
21 February 2011
My wife had been struggling with ill health for the past few years following a stroke and I had been tending to her as well as trying to satisfy customers' needs. Which is why the place has been up for sale. In all weathers she had as far as she could manage to come out to see to customers. She died on 21st December through a massive heart attack on the way to hospital. I am endeavouring to open up again for this season until it is sold. The fee goes to cover the expenses (the car park is rented from a local farmer but is not charged for) and the wonderful comments and repeat visits we have got from so many people over the years far outweigh the few who think otherwise. The old saying of pleasing some of the people some of the time but all of the people none of the time is true."
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St Nectan's Glen - Nice place, shame about the entrance fee. by Anonymous on Friday, 29 July 2011
28/7/11
I visited this site today and was shocked at how much it costs to see it. I bought a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) which cost £11. I think this is a lot to ask for what it is. Granted, it is a beautiful place and I would not object to contributing £1 or £2 per person which, by the number of visitors on the day I was there, would surely be enough for the upkeep of the footpath (actually this was thick with mud and not well maintained at all). £3 for adults and £2.50 for children is just a bit penny pinching for this site when you consider it costs the same to visit, for argument's sake, Chysauster or Restormel Castle which I dare say English Heritage spend more on upkeep than this place. Thorgrim has stated at the top of this page that this is rated as one of the ten most important spiritual sites in the country (Presumably he means pagan spiritual sites only??) If this is true it is another reason why this entrance fee is unjustified. I am sure most Christians would be very upset if they had to pay an entrance fee to get into church.

Changing the subject slightly, the final thing I found quite laughable was the display board near the entrance with a collection of visitors' photographs showing supposed ghostly orbs near the waterfall. Sorry to shatter any illusions but the orbs are just water droplets from the spray of the waterfall reflecting the camera flash. I found the same effect myself on every photo I took with a flash and none on any photo taken without a flash.

I shant be visiting here again. Not because I don't like it but because I don't like lining the pockets of fortunate land owners who probably don't even spend the takings on the upkeep. For a similar experience your money is better spent at Lydford Gorge in Devon.
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    Re: St Nectan's Glen - Nice place, shame about the entrance fee. by Anonymous on Monday, 20 February 2012
    "I am sure most Christians would be very upset if they had to pay an entrance fee to get into church."

    Erm, like canterbury cathedral you mean? Which is a whopping £9.80 each?

    Although I agree on the 'orb' front, I will also point out that I have never mentioned it to anyone who believes otherwise, just like I don't go around pointing out every contradiction and flaw in the bible to every christian I meet.

    The owners don't have to keep it open to the public at all, and why should an elderly couple not try and ease their comfort a bit in their old age?
    In any case it's been bought by a group of artistic individuals, so the situation may now change.
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    Re: St Nectan's Glen - Nice place, shame about the entrance fee. by Anonymous on Wednesday, 29 February 2012

    Has the writer of the above re paying to go to St.Nectan's not noticed that all abbeys and cathedrals have extortionate fees for entry and now no longer request a suggested donation, but state a price for entry!
    I often ask if the guides there if it is a place of prayer or a museum?!!!
    When my sons were young and I took them from Kent to St. Paul's in London I actually knocked on the Dean's door and asked that very question and he let me in without paying! My husband and I had recently separated and the train fare was quite a bit without the fee for us all to go in!
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Re: St Nectan's Glen by Anonymous on Thursday, 13 September 2007
Perhaps the rebranding was to Nathan's gorge....
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Re: St Nectan's Glen by Anonymous on Wednesday, 21 June 2006
I am surprised that the myth of St Nectan's Glen continues to be perpetuated on sites like this. You are right that the historicity of St Nectan is doubtful. Still more doubtful––indeed fraudulent––is the association of this beautiful location with any of the traditions you list. Early maps of the area show conclusively that it was originally know as Nathan's Gorge and was named after a local family. Its rebranding as St Nectan's Kieve ('basin') or Glen is a Romantic invention, specifically associated with the Victorian clergyman, poet and antiquarian, Robert Stephen Hawker.
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    Re: St Nectan's Glen by Anonymous on Saturday, 14 March 2009
    There are many Nechtan/Nectan and the word is just a version of Nathan. Used in the darkages by Picts and welsh/cornish folk.
    Note that St.Nectan is assoc. with the 'holy family' (brittish myth) of Brychan of Brycheniog(Brecon) and that certain scholars believe him not to be son of brychan but a name taken by Brychan in some form of spiritual retreat/retirement. Brychan is regarded in the welsh myth as a foriegner (Irish/Scot) and that there is also medieval references to a 'Brychenniog in the north'.
    Also the name Nechtan appears on an inscribed stone at St. Feocks (Craggy Island Fr. Ted et.al.) in Cornwall.
    If I remember right it reads
    'Nectan IPPE Talorc' Both pictish 'king' names
    read normaly with IPPE assumed to relate to ap (son of) although it may be latin shorthand for some other statement such as Imperator Post Paternum Episcop etc......(yes I know my latin is crud but I'm sure that you can get the idea.

    Note also coins are often placed in fence posts by water supplies as a way of thanking the landowner/tennant for taking the effort to place that stand pipe halway up a hill and as such is just a common courtesy which I can easily see being adapted to the circumstance around a folly in the Victorian period.

    banffichtii
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Re: St Nectan's Glen by theendlessbreeze on Monday, 14 June 2004
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Condition:5
Ambience:5
Access:3
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