Secret Padstow - Little Petherick

This gorgeous little hamlet is found just two miles down the road from Padstow in the wooded valley of Little Petherick Creek, a tidal tributary of the River Camel. The name Little Petherick comes from the ancient name for Little Padstow - Pedroc-stowe which means 'Petrock's Place'.

Steeped in history Petrock was a 6th century Celtic Christian saint who was associated with monasteries at Padstow and Bodmin. The Grade I listed church in Little Petherick is dedicated to St Petroc and was originally built in the 14th century. Starting in Padstow, The Saints' Way is a 27 mile footpath that passes through Little Petherick and follows river valleys, cutting right across Cornwall to Fowey in the south. All along the footpath will be found historic remains, ancient footbridges, old tracks and fascinating churches, evidence of its use by early saints and missionaries. However, The Saints Way was almost certainly first used by Celtic traders even before the Iron Age. Gold was traded in the Mediterranean and would have passed through Cornwall on its way from Ireland and it is thought that Egyptians, Greeks and Phoenicians journeyed to the west coast of Britain to trade in gold. It is absolutely fascinating to think that it is possible today to follow these ancient routes that have their origins in The Dark Ages. Little Petherick used to have several mills and there was a tidal gristmill at Sea Mills in St Issey. The remains of the mill's old sea wall that trapped the tides are still visible and both the Old Mill and Mellingey Mill still have working waterwheels today. Rich in wildlife Footpaths on both sides of the creek lead on to the Camel Trail just on the outskirts of Padstow by the Iron Bridge. Cycle hire is available from the nearby towns of Padstow or Wadebridge so you can explore the Trail which follows the route of the old railway track between Padstow and Bodmin along the side of the Camel estuary - an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The estuary is a favourite stopping off point for migrant wading birds (up to 100 species!) who feed on the fertile mud flats during their journeys to and from the northern breeding grounds. The Trail is 18 miles in total and, after Wadebridge, joins the route through a beautiful wooded valley to Bodmin. Then another line winds up to the foot of Bodmin Moor and end near Blisland, a lovely pretty moorland village. There are a number of purpose-built hides on the estuary with those on the Camel Trail open to the public. Eating out The Journeyman Restaurant is a 15 - 20 minute walk from the village centre or 5 minutes by car. Enjoy a relaxed dining experience in the intimate ambience of the restaurant's mill dining room on long summer evenings or cosy winter nights. The extensive menu offers something for everyone with over 50 dishes selected from the world's finest cuisines. The Journeyman Restaurant was the only non-Indian restaurant in Cornwall listed in the 2008/09 Cobra Good Curry Guide. If you fancy a traditional Cornish Cream Tea why not stroll up to the Molesworth Manor where you will be welcomed at this beautiful former rectory dating from the early 17th Century. In the next village of St Issey there are two pubs, the Ring O Bells, and the Pickwick Inn. The Pickwick Inn is full of olde worlde charm with an open fire and beamed ceilings and a garden with wonderful estuary views and lots of play area for the children. The chef has been a finalist in the prestigious South West Food Awards for the past 4 years, and offers an imaginative menu using locally grown produce. The Ring O Bells offers delicious home cooked food, and a warm welcome and has a decked area outside. Often has quiz nights on Sunday evenings. Towards Wadebridge is The Quarryman Inn at Edmonton which has a good selection of real ales. There is a patio-heated courtyard. Wadebridge has a variety of bistros, restaurants and takeaways including an Indian and Chinese. And, of course, Padstow, in the opposite direction, has a number of wonderful restaurants. Attractions In the same location as The Journeyman Restaurant is Millingey Mill Willow Craft Centre where you will find some stunning basketry creations. Just down the road is Cornwall's Crealy Great Adventure Park - "for magical adventures and the most fun under the sun in Cornwall! Make the most of the hot weather with their great water rides, Thunder Falls and Raging Rivers Watercoaster. Things to do in Cornwall begin at Crealy. Come down to our theme park and join in all the excitement. There's a choice of Six Big Realms with huge all-weather indoor attractions so your Magical Adventures are guaranteed, whatever the weather." And launched 30th May2010: Morgawr the Sea Monster roller coaster.