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Heritage Trail The Heritage Trail will rarely take you far from the
beauty of St Austell Bay. For many visitors the Bay's sandy beaches;
smuggler's coves; miniature harbours and sea-carved cliffs are enough
- yet there is more, much more be discovered here. Walk the beautiful valley of Luxulyan, dominated by the magnificent Treffry viaduct. Discover for yourself traces of an industry that once provided employment for thousands in these attractive woodlands. In the Luxulyan museum are relics of years of man's endeavours in this secluded place. Travel on to Fowey and pay a call on another fascinating museum. Outside, pause to enjoy the harbour. Cornishmen will tell you this is the most beautiful in the land. From this yachtsman's paradise ships carry cargoes of China Clay to the industrial centres of the world. Around the fringes of St Austell Bay many fine ships have come to grief. Learn something of them in the Charlestown Shipwreck Centre. While you are here buy a souvenir that might have lain in the hold of a decaying ship for more than two centuries. Nearby is one of the smallest harbours in the country. If you are fortunate you may find a ship moored here that took part in one of your favourite period television series. Staying with the sea, visit Mevagissey's Museum, tucked away on the quayside of this working fishing port. Mevagissey's narrow alleyways, and low, overhanging eaves have foiled many a press gang and revenue officer. The sea around the bay provides a never-failing source of interest and enjoyment, but turn your back upon it for a while. A few miles inland, at Ruddlemoor, in the shadow of the Clay "mountains discover the reason why man has changed the skyline of the country hereabouts. At the Wheal Martyn Museum learn the secrets of winning China Clay from the ground. This is the industry which took over from tin mining. The story of the discovery and exploitation of China Clay is as romantic, in its own way, as that of the age old industry it replaced. What better place to end your tour of discovery than , stockists of fine wines and makers of a truly Cornish brew for almost 150 years. Whatever your interests, no matter how varied your tastes, you will satisfy them on the St Austell Bay Heritage Trail. You will also leave Cornwall with a better understanding of the area and all it has to offer. If you do not have time to take it all in.......... well, there is always next year! EV. Thompson
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