Pelynt Shute

## Overview Pelynt Shute is a public drinking spring located near the village of Pelynt in southeast Cornwall, England. Situated at approximately 50.3672°N, 4.5268°W, this spring sits in the rolling countryside between the market town of Liskeard and the coastal village of Polperro. The name "Shute" (sometimes spelled "Shut" or "Chute") is a traditional West Country term for a channelled water spout or conduit — a common feature of historic Cornish springs where natural water was directed through a stone or metal pipe for easy collection by local residents. Cornwall has a long and rich tradition of communal springs and holy wells, many of which have served rural communities for centuries. Pelynt itself is a small parish with roots stretching back to at least the medieval period, and springs like this one would historically have been vital sources of fresh water for the village and surrounding farms. While specific historical records for Pelynt Shute are limited, springs of this type across Cornwall have been used as drinking water sources for generations. The water from Pelynt Shute has historically been used as a drinking water source by the local community, though as with any natural spring, water quality can vary with weather and seasonal conditions. ## Directions 1. From the A387 (the main road connecting Looe and Polperro), look for signs to **Pelynt** and turn inland. 2. Follow the lane into the village of Pelynt, passing the Jubilee Inn pub and the Church of St Nun. 3. The spring is located in the vicinity of the village at GPS coordinates **50.36722, -4.52680**. Look for a traditional stone spout or channelled water feature along the roadside or a nearby lane. 4. Parking in Pelynt is limited — use any available roadside pull-offs or the small spaces near the church, and walk to the spring. *Note: These directions are approximate and based on the GPS coordinates provided. The spring may be tucked along a narrow lane or hedgerow, so keep an eye out for a stone water channel or pipe — a classic Cornish "shute."* ## What to Expect Pelynt Shute is a traditional Cornish roadside or village spring, likely featuring a stone-channelled spout directing water into a basin or trough. Springs of this type in Cornwall are typically modest in scale but charming in character, often set into a mossy stone wall or hedgebank. The surrounding landscape is quintessential south Cornwall countryside — lush green fields, narrow hedge-lined lanes, and a peaceful rural atmosphere. The village of Pelynt itself is a quiet, picturesque parish with a historic church (St Nun's, which dates in parts to the 13th century) and a well-regarded village pub. Visitors should be aware that the spring is in a rural area with narrow lanes, so drive carefully and be prepared to reverse for oncoming traffic. The flow of the spring may vary seasonally, with stronger output during wetter months (autumn and winter) and potentially reduced flow during dry summer spells. For those exploring the area, Pelynt is well-positioned for day trips to the fishing villages of Polperro and Looe, both just a few miles to the south, as well as the wider South East Cornwall coast.