Darite,
Liskeard, Cornwall
Attractions
Ideally located for exploring Bodmin Moor
and the North & South coasts of Cornwall
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Attractions |
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Trethevy Quoit (illustrated above at sunset), one of the most impressive Neolithic burial chambers in Cornwall, is just a short stroll from the farm. It is a truly awesome sight standing over 10 feet in height with a capstone of 12 feet in length. An usual feature is the small hole pieced in the capstone, the purpose of which is unknown. A rectangular hole cut into the entrance stone gives access to the burial chamber which is surrounded by six massive uprights. From the nearby Crows
Nest pub, a footpath runs along an old mining railway line past the South
Caradon Mine, featured in the BBC's "Restoration" programme
and once the richest copper mine in East Cornwall. |
 Minions Mining Heritage Centre with one of The Hurlers standing stones in the foreground |
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It is advisable not to stray from the path as the mine structures are not safe and there are hidden dangers in the mines. The footpath leads on to the village of Minions where you will find the Minions Mining Heritage Centre in a partially restored engine house (shown above). Minions is also famous
for The Hurlers, three circles of standing stones which bear tribute to
the stone maneuvering abilities of Bronze Age man as there are 9, 17 and
16 stones respectively in each circle plus 2 boundary stones called the
Pipers to the west of the site. Legend says that the stones are men turned
to stone as a punishment for playing the Cornish game of hurling on the
Sabbath Day. |
 The Cheesewring |
 King Doniert's Stone |
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The Cheesewring, a granite rock formation caused by natural erosion, is also a spectacular landmark near Minions. Legend attributes its existence to a titanic rock throwing contest between Cornwall's Giants and Saints which was lost by the Giants who, as a consequence, had to abandon their sinful ways. Just above the Cheesewring Quarry, lies Stowe's Pound, a massive stone hilltop enclosure with a central 'citadel' and remains of stone hut circles dating back to late Neolithic, early Bronze Age. |
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King Doniert's Stone - two granite stones with intricate carving and rectangular sockets in their tops which are thought to have held wooden crosses - can be found in a signposted enclosure on the B3254 road from Minions to Dobwalls. The shorter stone bears the inscription "Doniert Progavit Pro Anima" or Doniert ordered this cross for the good of his soul. It is thought that Doniert was probably Durngarth, King of Cornwall who drowned in the River Fowey in AD875. The River Fowey runs through a steep sided gorge amid ancient beech and oak woodland at the famous beauty spot, Golitha Falls, which is also a National Nature Reserve and has wonderful walks. Golitha Falls is a short drive from Trethevy Farm. |
 Golitha Falls |
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Other local attractions include:
Trethevy Farm, Darite, Liskeard, Cornwall PL14 5JX Tel/Fax: 01579 343186 Website
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