Key themes of a stay in Saint Gennys include coastal scenery, local history and a seasonal natural highlight. The South West Coast Path’s “Tresmorn & St Gennys” route runs along high cliffs above rocky reefs; traces of a medieval village can be seen at Tresmorn, and the circular walk at Dizzard passes through ancient woodland. This gives you different themes to choose from when planning: cliffs and reefs, settlement history, or bluebells in spring.
Cliff scenery and restricted access
On the “Tresmorn & St Gennys” route, the South West Coast Path runs along high cliffs above rocky reefs. The cliffs and rocky shore give the route a distinct coastal focus. The cliffs at St Gennys also feature geological exposures. If you would like to consider the geological character of the coast as well as walking when planning your trip, this offers another point of interest.
St Genny’s Cliff Castle is a Scheduled Monument. Access is restricted because of the steep slopes and its remote clifftop location. Take this restriction into account when planning your day. Its protected status and limited accessibility are two important aspects to consider if you want to include the monument in your plans.
Paths, village history and the seasons
The “Tresmorn & St Gennys” route passes St Gennys Churchtown. The village is said to have developed around the site of a hermitage founded by an Irish saint. Along this route, coastal scenery and the traditional account of how St Gennys Churchtown began offer distinct themes to explore.
Another option is the “St Gennys Church to Dizzard” circular walk. It passes through ancient woodland at Dizzard, where bluebells bloom in spring. The two walks offer a clear contrast: one focuses on cliffs and reefs, the other on woodland and its seasonal flowers. If you are planning your trip for spring, the blooms provide a specific natural highlight to guide your choice.
Tresmorn and the view from the churchyard
The settlement of Tresmorn is first documented in 1428. Between Higher and Lower Tresmorn, the remains of a shrunken medieval village are now visible only as a group of mounds and hollows. For history enthusiasts, the contrast is between the clearly dated first record and the subtle traces in the landscape: the village can no longer be seen as a complete settlement, but only in these forms.
The sloping churchyard of St Gennys Parish Church offers views across Bude Bay and the Bristol Channel to the point where Lundy Island can be seen. The slope and the broad view provide a scenic highlight alongside the settlement remains at Tresmorn. You can choose between views across the named waters and an interest in earlier settlements.
Find accommodation and plan your trip
If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in Saint Gennys, start by choosing the focus of your trip: the coastal path, local and settlement history, or a seasonal woodland walk. When planning, you can also consider whether the spring blooms matter to you and whether you want to include the Cliff Castle despite its restricted access.
Buses run regularly in the area between Bude and Wadebridge, stopping at Crackington Haven. If you plan to travel by bus, it is worth checking the timetable before setting out.
Discover more destinations: Sancreed, Lanlivery, Duloe, Gwinear, Tregony, Liskeard, Colan, Constantine.
For the main travel overview: Cornwall.
