The Roseland
The Roseland is a small south-facing peninsular protected from the prevailing Atlantic weather by The Lizard. This results in a mild micro-climate in which many sub-tropical and native plants thrive. It is divided from the mainland by the waters of the Carrick Roads and the River Fal which together form one of the best water-sports areas in the country.
Yachts
sail from St. Mawes, Falmouth, Mylor, Helford and several other
ports. There are various
cruise and hire companies or for the less adventurous,
the regular foot-ferry between St. Mawes and Falmouth gives a chance to see the Roseland from the sea.
The coast includes sandy
beaches, pebble coves, towering cliffs,
quiet rivers, secluded creeks and busy little harbours. It is
perfect for sailing,
surfing
, diving, swimming, beach-combing, fishing, paddling,
building sandcastles or just watching the water flow. There is
always the chance of seeing grey seals and the occasional dolphin or
basking shark. Several beaches have easy access from nearby
car-parks and facilities such as a shop or
toilets nearby.
The interior
alternates between rolling farmland and
steep wooded valleys divided by busy streams feed the tidal rivers of
the Fal and the Percuil.
It is a haven for birds and
bird-watchers alike. The upper Fal, near Ruan Lanihorne is particularly good. Sitting on the quayside watching
the sun set over the salt marshes listening to the
oystercatchers is a fine way to work up an appetite for
dinner at the Kings Head.
There are several small harbours/villages
with pubs, hotels, restaurants, local shops and some very enticing
art-galleries. Each has its
own character and history and there have been few changes caused by the march of 'progress'.
The Roseland is criss-crossed with public footpaths
and byways to amble down.
The
roads are generally quiet, with dry-stone walls, hedgerows and cow-parsley
punctuated by farms and hamlets. The only difficult choice on a
walking holiday is whether to set-out
from the Old Forge or drive five minutes
to some of the best walks in Cornwall!
If
you miss the city life, Truro is in easy reach with its Cathedral,
Royal Cornwall Museum,
Hall
for Cornwall, numerous shops, restaurants and a cinema. A little further afield is
Falmouth which
hosts the Maritime Museum. Falmouth can be visited by boat
from St. Mawes.
There are several beautiful NT and private gardens nearby including Trelissick, Tregothnan, Caerhays. Glendurgen, Trebah, Trerice, The Eden Project, The Lost Gardens of Heligan and Llanhydrock. Click here for information on gardens, Truro, Falmouth and many pubs, restaurants and shops.