I wish I knew about the legend of St Nectan’s Glen before visiting! Read on to find out how the hole was formed at the bottom of the waterfall too!
Who was St Nectan?
The glen is named after the 6th century Saint Nectan. Nectan is one of the most celebrated saints in the West of England.
Nectan sailed from Wales and landed at Hartland Point, on the border of Cornwall and Devon.
Nectan settled in the area around 500 CE and built his hermitage and chapel at the top of the glen near the River Trevillitt.
Nectan’s life came to an end at the hands of two robbers who beheaded the Saint.
Facts about St Nectan’s Glen Waterfall
St Nectan’s waterfall stands at an estimated 60ft in height. Such is the force of the water falling at such great heights, a large hole has appeared through a rock at the bottom.
Legend suggests fairies watch over the waterfall and the water has healing properties.
Coins and ribbons are left behind as offerings, mimicking traditions of the past when visiting sacred sites.
Getting to St. Nectan’s Glen & Parking
Okay, St Nectan’s Glen is not the easiest of places to get to. The car park is a mile walk away. The address of the car park is Trethevy, Tintagel, PL34 0BE (Google Maps link)
The walk itself is not that easy either, with many steep steps to climb and uneven ground through a wooded area next to the River Trevillitt (the rain the night before made the path extra muddy and slippery, lovely!).
Luckily, there is a pretty good cafe once you reach the top. I recommend getting some Cornish ice cream too!
I can also recommend visiting Strangles beach, Boscastle Harbour and Dingles Fairground nearby.
We stayed in at a great Airbnb in Holsworthy if you’re looking for a place to stay!
Certainly, Timothy — here’s a clear and tourist-friendly guide to St Nectan’s Glen Waterfall, following the same format and tone as Severndroog Castle:
History of St Nectan’s Glen Waterfall
St Nectan’s Glen is a mystical woodland valley near Tintagel in north Cornwall, famed for its 60-foot waterfall known as St Nectan’s Kieve. The glen stretches along the River Trevillet and has long been considered one of the UK’s most spiritual natural sites. According to legend, the 6th-century Celtic saint Nectan lived as a hermit above the falls, ringing a silver bell to warn ships of nearby rocks — though this tale was popularised by Victorian romantics.
The waterfall punches through a circular hole in the slate rock, creating a dramatic cascade into a shallow pool. Pilgrims and visitors have left offerings here for centuries, including ribbons, crystals, and stacked stones. The glen is also a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its rare mosses and liverworts. Today, St Nectan’s Glen offers a tranquil escape into nature, combining folklore, geology, and quiet reflection in a temperate rainforest setting.
10 Interesting Facts About St Nectan’s Glen Waterfall
- The waterfall drops 60 feet through a naturally formed hole in the rock.
- The glen is home to two rare mosses and two rare liverworts, earning it SSSI status.
- Visitors leave ribbons, coins, and crystals as offerings around the falls.
- The name “Kieve” comes from a tin-mining term for a wooden basin.
- The site was once called Nathan’s Cave, named after a local character.
- The Hermitage chapel is built on the site of a supposed early Christian cell.
- The waterfall is believed to have healing properties and spiritual significance.
- The glen features wishing trees with coins embedded in their bark.
- The area is part of a temperate Atlantic rainforest, rare in the UK.
- The waterfall has appeared in TV shows and travel features as a hidden gem.
Things to See and Do at St Nectan’s Glen Waterfall
- Walk the Woodland Trail
Follow a mile-long path through ancient forest along the River Trevillet. The route includes bridges, boardwalks, and moss-covered trees. - Visit the Waterfall
Enter the sacred site and wade into the plunge pool to stand beneath the cascade. Waterproof shoes or bare feet recommended. - Explore the Hermitage Chapel
Step into the meditation room built on the site of St Nectan’s cell. Visitors leave notes, tokens, and prayers. - Tie a Wish Ribbon
Add your own ribbon to the trees or fairy stacks near the falls. Ribbons are available at the gift shop. - Browse the Gift Shop
Find crystals, incense, books, and handmade gifts inspired by nature and folklore. - Relax at the Tree of Life Café
Enjoy Cornish cream teas, cakes, and hot drinks in a peaceful garden setting. Indoor and outdoor seating available. - Join a Retreat or Workshop
Book yoga, mindfulness, or creative retreats in the on-site studio and accommodation. - Spot Wildlife and Rare Plants
Look for dippers, firecrests, and rare mosses in the shaded glen. Birdwatching benches and guides available. - Take the Nature Trail
A short loop near the café offers interactive signs, sculptures, and seating for quiet reflection. - Explore Nearby Tintagel
Combine your visit with Tintagel Castle, Rocky Valley, or the South West Coast Path.
Practical Information for Visiting St Nectan’s Glen Waterfall
- Location: Trethevy, Tintagel, Cornwall PL34 0BE
- Opening times: Summer: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm; Winter: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm; last entry 30 minutes before closing
- Entry: Woodland free; waterfall access £10 adults, £5 children (5–15); under 5s free
- Parking: £3/day at Trethevy car park; overflow field parking available
- Accessibility: Woodland path uneven; waterfall access via steep steps and river crossing
- Dogs: Welcome on leads in woodland and café; not in waterfall area
- Food: Tree of Life Café on site
- Toilets: Available, including accessible facilities
- Nearby: Tintagel Castle, Rocky Valley, Boscastle, St Piran’s Church
- Official website: St Nectan’s Glen
