Ruan Lanihorne, Cornwall – Creekside Village on the Upper Fal

VISITING RUAN LANIHORNE

Ruan Lanihorne is a small, peaceful village within the Cornwall National Landscape, between the River Fal and its tributary the Ruan River, a few miles east-south-east of Truro and about 2½ miles from Tregony. It stands on what was once the old coach road between Penzance and London.

The village gathers around its church of St Rumon, overlooking the creek, and the King’s Head pub. The creek is a bird lover’s paradise, a haven for waders and waterfowl, and the gentle hills and leafy lanes all around are a joy for walkers and explorers.

The parish also includes the hamlet of Treworga and the village of Ruan High Lanes on the A3078, on the boundary with Veryan.

For somewhere to stay, see Roseland Peninsula holiday cottages and holidays and short breaks on the Roseland.

Best Time to Visit Ruan Lanihorne

Autumn and winter are the best times for birdwatching on the creek, when wading birds gather on the mudflats. Spring brings wild flowers in the lanes and woods, and summer long evenings by the river. Visit around high tide to see the creek full of water, or at low tide to watch the birds feeding.

ST RUMON’S CHURCH

The parish church is dedicated to St Rumon (or Ruan), a Celtic saint whose remains are believed to have been buried here before being moved to Tavistock Abbey in Devon in about 981. The church was dedicated to him in 1321. Built of local slatestone with granite dressings, it dates from the 13th and 14th centuries, was partly rebuilt in the 17th century – the south porch is dated 1669 – and was restored in 1866.

Inside is a 13th-century tomb in the south transept, which may commemorate a priest of the Archdekne family, and painted boards of the Commandments, Creed and Lord’s Prayer. In a field opposite the churchyard are the remains of St Rumon’s well. The church is listed Grade I.

The historian John Whitaker was rector of Ruan Lanihorne from 1777 until his death in 1808, and wrote a history of the parish.

LANIHORNE CASTLE

From the mid-12th century the village was the seat of the Archdekne (Lercedekne) family, who had a castle here. In 1334 John Archdekne was granted a licence by Edward III to crenellate (fortify) his castle. It was a substantial building, said to have had a keep some 40 feet high and seven or eight towers.

The castle fell into ruin and was finally demolished in the 19th century; nothing of it can be seen today, but a 16th-century picture of Lanihorne Castle survives.

THE CREEK & BIRDWATCHING

Ruan creek was once a deep-water creek, but tin streaming and later china clay working upriver gradually silted up the Fal. When Tregony ceased to be workable as a port, vessels began to land at Ruan Lanihorne instead.

Today the creek and the upper Fal are a haven for wildlife. At low tide the mudflats attract wading birds such as curlew, redshank and little egret, while the river and reed beds draw ducks, herons and kingfishers. Bring binoculars, and watch quietly from the lanes and footpaths along the water.

WALKS FROM RUAN LANIHORNE

Quiet lanes and footpaths wind through the gentle hills and woods around the village, following the creek and the River Fal. Lanes and paths link the village with Tregony and with Philleigh and Lamorran to the west. Some paths can be muddy, so wear good boots.

PLACES NEAR RUAN LANIHORNE

• Tregony – about 2½ miles.
• Philleigh and the King Harry Ferry – about 3 miles.
• Veryan – about 3 miles.
• Portloe – about 5 miles.
• The Roseland Peninsula – our guide to the whole peninsula.