Ancint trackways.

Mirla Apr 25, 2008 12:31:03

I am trying to find out more about the two main ancient trackways that pass through Penwith in Cornwall.
One is The Old St Ives Road and the other is the Old Lands End Road (?)
I'm finding it hard to find the exact route they would have taken and the initial dates it may have been used. Some liturature claims it is late Mesolithic, some that it coresponds to Neolithic burials ect.
Then i recently read an article that confused me further saying that it was possible to be much more recent, created as a "tourist walk" somewhere around the medieval!
Im so Confused!
Any thoughts?
Cheers
Mirla!

ocifant Apr 25, 2008 14:30:08

Replying to Mirla

Hi Mirla,

As you know, Penwith is littered with ancient trackways, church paths and 'tinners' paths. When you refer to the Old St Ives Road, is this the pathway that runs from St Ives down to Zennor along the north coast? My understanding was that this was primarily a churchway, though of course it may based upon a much older route.

Also starting from Zennor is the Tinner's Path, which runs across Penwith to Mount's Bay.

I'm not sure which route you refer to when you say the 'Old Land's End Road'. This could be any of several pathways.

Do you have any more information other than just the names at this point?

I'll be down there in a week or so, and would be happy to try to check out some specific locations if you have them?

Mr Hamhead Apr 25, 2008 18:06:18

Replying to Mirla

Hi Mirla

Like Ocifant i am confused about which routes you sre talking about...do you have details of where they pass through? There are countless variations they could follow but i would guess that the early routes would stick to the high lands as the ground would be drier and visibility of less sociable neighbours would be better

Where did you get the names from?

The Tinners Way is now a popular recreational path and they have a leaflet about it at Penzance TIC if you need to know more.

Will help if I can but need a little more info.

Mr H