Mevagissey Cornwall
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The
fishing village of Mevagissey and the still smaller haven of Gorran are the very
essence of a Cornwall which has remained true to its roots and embraced change
only slowly. Both names belong to 6th century Irish missionaries.
Mevagissey's labyrinth of tiny streets twist and turn past ancient dwarf buildings of cob and slate but inexorably for the twin harbours which are its nerve centre, a place to watch the fisherman land their catch and mend their nets as they have since John Trewollas built the first pier in 1430.
By
the 19th century, the most important catch was pilchard, some 40 million a year
of which were salted in special cellars you can still see and packed into barrels
for export to France and Italy.
Earlier still, some of the crew doubled as smugglers or privateers, but today their secondary role is to introduce visitors to inshore fishing for mackerel or deep-sea shark-hunts. The full range of fish in local waters can be seen at the Aquarium, converted from the old lifeboat house. Mevagissey is renowned for the soaring switchback walks that whet the appetite for its seafood or help to walk it off.
From
Polkirt Hill you can look out over the Medieval street plan, the fishing boats
in the harbour and the yachts in the pool, to the golden sweep of Polstreath Beach
and St Austell Bay or south to the inlet that shelters Portmellon Beach and to
the scenic coast path over Chapel Point to Gorran Haven. Less than three miles
separate the two, but the contrast is sharp.
Mevagissey is a working harbour, Gorran Haven a small picturesque anchorage, dozing on its sandy beach in the lee of the spectacular 400 foot high Dodman Point. Good swimming and snorkelling are its assets with, for sailors, a protective hard. Visit the distinctive landmark of its 15th century church with 110 foot tower or simply enjoy the quiet and privacy.
ETC
Silver Tel: 01726 844 881