St Michael’s Way begins in Lelant, near St Ives, and leads to Marazion, near Penzance; the total distance is 12.5 miles (19.5 km). For a shorter walk, consider the route from Lelant Station to St Ives: it is rated moderate and measures 4.5 miles (7.2 km). The different destinations and distances offer a concrete first comparison for planning. The “moderate” rating applies only to the walk to St Ives.
St Michael’s Way and its history
St Michael’s Way is signposted and marked in both directions with a stylised scallop-shell symbol. Historically, the route was probably associated with pilgrims, missionaries and travellers, particularly from Ireland and Wales, who wanted to avoid the dangerous waters around Land’s End. This presumed connection gives the choice of route a cultural and historical dimension in addition to its distance. The South West Coast Path also follows this connection: its section from Hayle to St Ives follows part of the old St Michael’s Way between Lelant and Marazion.
St Uny’s Church: crosses and architectural remains
The Church of St Uny in Lelant is home to old Cornish crosses. It also contains 12th-century remains in the Norman style. J. D. Sedding restored the church in 1872–1873. The old crosses, Norman architectural remains and a much later restoration phase thus represent different historical connections to Lelant. Visitors who want to include history in their travel plans as well as the route itself will find a specific cultural highlight here.
Porth Kidney Sands: beach and access
Porth Kidney Sands is a one-mile-long beach of golden sand, bordered by rolling sand dunes at the mouth of the Hayle Estuary. At low tide, the beach extends almost a mile into St Ives Bay. These figures refer to two different measurements: one mile describes the length of the beach, while almost a mile describes how far it extends into the bay at low tide. You can reach Porth Kidney Sands on foot via the South West Coast Path from St Uny’s Church or Lelant Railway Station. Access involves steps; check access conditions before your visit.
Rail travel and route planning
To travel to Lelant by train, change at St Erth for a train to stations on the line to St Ives; Lelant is one of these stations. Check the connection for your travel date. Lelant Railway Station is also the starting point for the walk to St Ives and one of the access points to Porth Kidney Sands. This means that the rail journey and two of the walking destinations mentioned can be linked to the same station.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Bodinnick, Gooseham, Poundstock, Altarnun, Torpoint, Leedstown, Praze-an-Beeble, Phillack.
For the broader travel overview: Cornwall.
