St Nectan's Kieve

Saint Nectan's Kieve in Saint Nectan's Glen is a plunge pool or basin fed by a sixty feet high waterfall on the word for basin.

Geology

The river is carved into Late Devonian slate and several earlier kieves can be seen further up the rock walls of the waterfall. The current basin is estimated to be around twelve feet deep and the water emerges through a natural rock arch to drop a further ten feet to a wide shallow pool.

Origins of the name

The sixth century Welsh Celtic Saint Nectan was believed to have had his hermitage above the waterfall. According to legend he rang a silver bell in times of stormy weather to warn shipping of the perils of the rocks at the mouth of the Rocky Valley. Though legends abound, no evidence exists to substantiate Nectan's presence here.

A sacred site

Saint Nectan's Kieve is believed by some to be a sacred place. As such, numerous ribbons, crystals, photographs, inscriptions, prayers and other devotions now adorn the foliage and rock walls near to the waterfall.

The Hermitage

A medieval chapel reputed to be the site of Saint Nectan's cell is situated at the top of the waterfall.