St Piran’s Holy Well, Perranarworthal

## Overview St Piran's Holy Well is a historic sacred spring located in the village of Perranarworthal, nestled in a wooded valley near the head of Restronguet Creek in Cornwall, England. The well is dedicated to St Piran (also known as St Perran), the patron saint of Cornwall and of tin miners, one of the most beloved saints in Cornish tradition. St Piran is said to have arrived in Cornwall from Ireland in the 5th or 6th century, and numerous holy wells, churches, and landmarks across the county bear his name. Holy wells have been venerated in Cornwall for centuries, often predating Christianity and later adopted into the Christian tradition. St Piran's Holy Well at Perranarworthal is one of many such sites scattered across the Cornish landscape, each with its own local significance. These wells were historically visited for their reputed healing properties and as places of prayer and pilgrimage. The village name "Perranarworthal" itself derives from the Cornish language, meaning "Perran in the higher land," reflecting the deep connection between the saint and this place. The well has historically been used as a source of drinking water by local residents and visitors, though as with all natural water sources, conditions can vary over time. The spring is classified as a public drinking spring and continues to flow as a quiet testament to Cornwall's rich spiritual and cultural heritage. ## Directions 1. From Truro, head west on the A39 towards Falmouth. 2. After approximately 4 miles, you will reach the village of Perranarworthal. 3. The holy well is located within the village — look for signs or local markers near the parish church of St Piran, which sits close to the main road through the settlement. 4. GPS coordinates: **50.20711, -5.113989** — use these for precise navigation, as the well can be easy to miss. *Note: Parking in the village may be limited. Consider using any available roadside pull-offs or nearby lay-bys.* ## What to Expect St Piran's Holy Well is a modest but atmospheric site, typical of Cornwall's many ancient sacred springs. Visitors can expect a small stone wellhead or basin, likely set into a bank or wall, surrounded by the lush greenery characteristic of Cornwall's sheltered valleys. The area around Perranarworthal is verdant and peaceful, with mature trees and hedgerows framing the landscape. The spring water emerges naturally from the ground, and the flow may vary with the seasons — expect stronger flow during the wetter months of autumn and winter, and potentially reduced output during dry summer spells. The water has historically been regarded as clean and wholesome by locals, though visitors should be aware that no modern water quality testing data is currently available for this site. Perranarworthal sits near the head of Restronguet Creek, an arm of the Carrick Roads estuary, making it a lovely area to explore on foot. The village is small and quiet, offering a genuine glimpse of rural Cornish life. Visitors interested in Cornish heritage may also wish to visit the nearby parish church of St Piran, which shares the saint's dedication and adds further historical context to the area.