Top 19 Natural Monuments around St. Cleer

The region around St. Cleer offers several unique geological formations. You can visit The Cheesewring, a remarkable granite tor on Bodmin Moor, where large granite slabs are miraculously balanced. Another fascinating site is Carnglaze Caverns, which features three hand-dug underground caverns, originally a slate mine, with a crystal-clear underground lake.

Yes, the area is rich in ancient history. Near Minions, you'll find The Hurlers Stone Circles, a group of three Bronze Age stone circles deeply embedded in the moorland. Additionally, Rough Tor and Kit Hill Trig Point are granite summits with historical significance, including ancient settlements and burial mounds.

Golitha Falls is the prime location for spectacular waterfalls and ancient woodlands. It features a series of dramatic cascades along the River Fowey flowing through the ancient oak woodland of Draynes Wood, recognized as a National Nature Reserve. It's especially impressive after heavy rain.

Siblyback Lake is excellent for families, offering a 5km circular trail suitable for walking and cycling, along with watersports like sailing and paddleboarding. Golitha Falls provides beautiful woodland walks with varying difficulty, and the easy walk to The Hurlers Stone Circles is also suitable for families.

You can find a variety of hiking trails. For easy walks, explore routes around Siblyback Lake or the trails leading to The Hurlers Stone Circles and The Cheesewring. For more challenging hikes, consider the ascent to Brown Willy Summit, Cornwall's highest point. You can find more options in the Easy hikes around St. Cleer guide or the Waterfall hikes around St. Cleer guide.

Yes, Siblyback Lake is a hub for watersports. You can enjoy sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and even cable wakeboarding. The lake also offers trout fishing.

The best time to visit depends on your interests. For dramatic waterfalls at Golitha Falls, visit after heavy rainfall. For clear panoramic views from The Cheesewring or Brown Willy, clear weather is ideal. Spring brings lush vegetation and wildflowers to woodlands, while autumn offers vibrant colors. The underground Carnglaze Caverns maintain a constant 10°C, making them a cool retreat in summer or a sheltered spot in colder months.

Dozmary Pool is famously associated with Arthurian legends, particularly as the site where King Arthur received and returned the sword Excalibur. The Hurlers Stone Circles also have local folklore, with legends stating the stones are people petrified for playing hurling on the Sabbath.

Siblyback Lake is part of an International Dark Sky Landscape, making it an excellent spot for stargazing due to its minimal light pollution and open views of the night sky.

Golitha Falls, a National Nature Reserve, is particularly rich in biodiversity. It's home to over 120 species of bryophytes and nearly 50 species of lichens. You might also spot bats (lesser horseshoe, brown long-eared, noctule), dormice, salmon, sea trout, and otters in the area.

Yes, there are several mountain biking opportunities. The MTB Trails around St. Cleer guide features routes like the Siblyback Lake Trail and longer loops that incorporate areas around the natural monuments.

Visitors frequently praise the stunning panoramic views from high points like The Cheesewring and Brown Willy Summit. The unique geological formations, the rich history of sites like The Hurlers Stone Circles, and the tranquil beauty of places like Golitha Falls are also highly appreciated. The komoot community has shared over 20 photos and given more than 50 upvotes for these natural monuments.