St Nectan's Kieve

NABSQNO 30U 378734 - 5613967

Cornwall. This waterfall natural bridge is close to the village of Trethevey and there is a parking area for it off the road from Boscastle to Tintagel, the legendary site of King Arthur's Camelot, where a one mile trail leads to a café and tearoom above the waterfall. The trail goes alongside the river before climbing up to the tearoom. Here steps lead down to the 60 ft waterfall where the River Trevillet has punched a hole through the kieve (basin). A fee is charged. The tearoom can also be reached by taking the two track road to the left of the trail sign. 

The sixth century Saint Nectan is believed to have had a hermitage above the waterfall and is said to have rung a silver bell to warn shipping about the rocks at the mouth of the valley. It is said to be a mystical place where fairies, piskies (Cornish pixies) and spirits play. Visitors often leave ribbons, crystals and bells on the rocks and foliage. There are a number of small piles of flat stones by the bridge known as fairy stacks.

The bridge has a span of about 8 ft and a height of about 9 ft.