LELANT

Lelant is a popular spot with birdwatchers, occupying an attractive position on the Hayle Estuary.  There is a Park and Ride car park at Lelant Saltings, which also has a station on the St Erth to St Ives branch line.  Several species of gull rub along with migrant waders in the estuary, and winter brings large numbers of Eurasian Teal and Wigeon.  Some of the rarer species occasionally seen here include Lesser Yellowlegs, Pied-billed Grebe and Cattle Egret.  The whole estuary is an RSPB bird reserve as well as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.   There is a beach at Lelant, but due to its position on the estuary care should be taken when swimming there.  There is a golf course between the beach and the village.

Lelant was an important port in Mediaeval times, but after the silting up of the river mouth only the local mackerel boats were to be seen, giving their name to the Mackerel Boats beach near the railway station.  In the village itself is the church of St Uny, dating from the 12^th century and with a solid square granite tower.  However, it was probably another saint, St Anta, who gave rise to the name of the village, although it is the church in neighbouring Carbis Bay which is dedicated to St Anta.  There is a 13-mile walk from Lelant to Marazion on the south coast called St Michael’s Way, based on an old pilgrimage route, and directions can be found on a board outside Lelant church.  

Map of the area. 

Lelantchurch2. Photo by Waterborough, via Wikimedia Commons.