This tiny little piece of heaven is nestled in between Lostwithiel and Lerryn on the River Fowey. I had been taken there a couple of times before, but had never taken photos.
The first thing that hits you, is the peace and tranquility, which I am sure emanates from the fact that the Mary line runs through St Winnow from Lostwithiel, diagonally through the church. (Hamish Miller, The Sun and the Serpent).
The church is in a beautiful setting, beside the River Fowey.
I was lucky that the church was open and that I met the treasurer inside, who gave me some insight into the history. There are only a few remains of the original iron age settlement which was built next to the spring which is under what is now the pulpit. In fact, in times of flood, the spring comes up through the church floor.
The font, which has been moved from its original place, is carved with a winged face and the treasurer informed me that there were quite a few of these ancient carvings on some of the gravestones.
I did some research and they are associated with spirituality and the divine, reflecting our ancestors reverence for nature and the supernatural. It was also interesting to see the stain glass window depicting the slaying of the dragon. Very interesting. Considering the Mary line runs through the church, what did early christianity know about this place. Gary Biltcliffe and Hamish Miller talk about this in their books.
It was lovely to see 2 insect hotels by the entrance gate and the swallows everywhere, including one, posing on the telephone cable.
Across from the church is a small campsite right next to the river. Just the spot for a tranquil holiday.
And next to the campsite is the Celandine Food Truck, run by Sue, a lovely lady. We sat there and enjoyed a vegan burger, delicious scones and a nice pot of tea. If you visit St Winnow, then the Celandine Food Truck is a must.
And the view out over the river and countryside is stunning.
After lunch, we took ourselves for a short walk along the River Fowey, in the direction of Lerryn. The tide was out and we just sat there on a bench and soaked in the beautiful energy.
If you decide to visit this little piece of heaven, you will have to navigate VERY narrow Cornish roads. I was tested with my reversing skills, when I came face to face with a tractor!
“Find what you love and love what you find”