A short walk to Pencalenick Obelisk

By John Denyer

So, here is a short local'ish winter walk that you may not have done before. It's an ideal family walk for those who may wish to build up appetite for a large turkey dinner, or possibly for anyone who needs to walk off a large turkey dinner!

Surprisingly, not a lot is known about Pencalenick Obelisk. It’s built of granite and about 10m (35ft) high with no inscription, nor clue to why it's there. It's likely to have been built in the mid- 1800s, but exactly when is not known. It's built on an area of high ground, that once must have had great views, and perhaps could have been seen from afar.

There are several theories as to its true origin. One is that it is a memorial to Woodcock, a much-loved stagecoach horse, that apparently dropped dead on the Truro to Tresillian road, and for whom Woodcock Corner (the last big corner of the A390 before the Park and Ride) is so named. Another is that it was erected by a Mr Vivian who lived in Old Pencalenick House, that was demolished around 1880 to make way for the current Pencalenick House. Folklore has it, that one day Mr Vivian was standing in front of the fire when the floor gave way to reveal an ancient mine shaft below. Mr Vivian managed to grab the mantlepiece to avoid falling into the shaft. So pleased to be still alive, he built the obelisk as a memorial to his good fortune. Whatever the true origin, and it may just have been a Victorian Folly, built by someone who couldn't think of anything more worthwhile to do with his or her wealth. Either way, it's an interesting little monument, accessed via Duchy-owned land, but with permissive paths, so worth a visit.

The first view eastward along the valley

To get there from Probus, get on the A390 westbound, and pass all the way through Tresillian. As the road starts to bend and weave in the wooded valley, look for Pencalenick Lodge, the distinctive thatched dwelling on the left. As you pass the lodge, start to indicate left, and just around the corner turn into the small parking area. It has room for only four or five cars but is rarely used. Park there and walk to the left around the padlocked gate. After about 30m you'll see a path to the left, one ahead and one to the right. Take the left path, as it slowly creeps uphill, it's not that steep, but there is one muddy section.

Immediately, you start to see nice views across the valley towards Tresillian, and before long you can see the thatch of Pencalenick Lodge below. After a little while, the path joins a wider metalled track (coming up from the lodge) and continues into the woods.

The main foresters track towards Pencalenick

After another 200'ish metres, look for a smaller path on the right that leads towards a copse of mature beech trees. Walk up that path and the obelisk will reveal itself after just a minute or two.

The small path towards the obelisk

There is a circular path around the edge of the copse, as well as another that leads direct to the obelisk.

Once you've explored the obelisk, return on the same path, back down to the main track. At this point turn right and walk another 100m or so until you get to the top of the very narrow Devil’s Arch Bridge. This is another object of folklore, supposedly (if you believe this stuff) one of the most haunted spots in Cornwall, but you are more likely to know of it as it's where unwitting lorry drivers following their satnavs regularly get stuck. Returning to your car is straightforward, just remember to take the path to the left as the track drops down towards Pencalenick Lodge. Once back by the carpark, if you (or the kids) still have energy to burn take the foresters track to the right, and this heads west and uphill for about 5-600m eventually reaching a dead end. That track also gives lovely views along the valley.

When exiting the car park to the A390 do take care. While the sight lines are fairly good, the road bends around there and vehicles do speed along that section. Hope you enjoy the walk.