Roche Rock
This circular walk visits the geologically significant Roche Rock in Cornwall. The granite outcrop is something of a local landmark, standing at a height of 20-metres (66-feet).
The walk starts in the village of Roche and then heads a short distance south to visit the ancient rock and chapel. Here you can climb a ladder for a close up view of the rock and enjoy views over the surrounding countryside. At the top you'll find a ruined chapel (dedicated to St Michael) which is said to have been the abode of a leper or a monk.
After enjoying the views you continue towards Hendra and Carbis before following a country lane towards Broadlanes. From here it is a short stroll west back into Roche.
Roche Rock Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Roche Rock Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Roche Rock OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Roche Rock Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
To the east you can pick up the Saints Way, visit the Breney Common Nature Reserve and enjoy a climb to Helman Tor. Just to the south of the tor you can explore the popular Luxulyan Valley, a designated World Heritage Site. The valley is one of the highlights of the area with nice trails along the River Par, a series of historical industrial remains and the impressive Treffry Viaduct to see.
Also nearby is the splendid Lanhydrock and the town of Lostwithiel.
A few miles to the west you can pick up the Goss Moor Trail. This shared cycling and walking trail explores the expansive Goss Moor National Nature Reserve where there's a number of rare plant and wildlife species to look out for.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Bodmin Moor Walks and Cornwall Walks pages.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Roche Crossroads. The road junction at the centre of the village has one or two shops and a road with a surprising number of heavy goods vehicles rumbling through it.
The isolated outcrop of hard granite is a prominent landmark in the local area. The structure built onto the side of it is the remains of a 15th century chapel and hermitage. It can be reached only by climbing a ladder attached to the rock face. The rock is associated with several Cornish legends including the story of Jan Tregeagle whose ghostly body got stuck in the east window when he was trying to gain sanctuary from the hell hounds on his trail. The Omen film, "The Final Conflict" was filmed here.
The ladder to the Hermitage. This is not for the faint hearted, the ladder is firm but you have to come down again.
From Roche Rock to the East. The land around Roche Rock is rough bracken covered heathland which gives way to pasture. The land here, on the northern slope of the St Austell granite, slopes gradually down from the granite highland. Beyond the eastern edge of the square this slope is interrupted by the huge waste tips of the Gracca clay works.