The Rocky Valley Labyrinths
Mysterious carvings in Cornwall which have been tentatively dated to the Early Bronze Age - their purpose and meaning unknown.
Rocky Valley is a small valley in north Cornwall, near Tintagel. Carved by the Trevillet River, the slate canyon walls of the valley tower over seventy feet at their highest point. Rocky Valley was mentioned in travel books as a place of exceptional beauty as early as 1897 and is now owned by the National Trust.
Aside from its natural beauty, another attraction of Rocky Valley are two strange carvings of a circular labyrinth tucked away amongst the ruins of an old mill.
Discovered in 1948, their origins are unknown, and theories about their age and purpose continue to be debated. Some say they are from the early Bronze Age - which makes them over 4000 years old.
Others suggest that the rock is too soft for such carvings to have survived so many years.
Another idea about the creation of the labyrinths relates to neighbouring St Nectan's Glen, a waterfall and early Christian hermitage located a little further up the Trevillet River.
Considered by some a sacred site, it is said St Nectan lived in a hermitage at the head of the waterfall. On stormy days he would venture down to the end of Rocky Valley and ring a silver bell to warn ships away from the treacherous rocks.
The legend goes that St Nectan was buried under the riverbed at Trevillet, giving it magical powers. It seems possible that the labyrinths could have been carved by early Christian pilgrims, although they do not represent traditional Christian iconography.
Another suggestion is the rock carvings could be much more recent. During the 18th century mazes became all the vogue and can be seen in places such as gardens, buildings and other designs from the time.
The presence of the ruined mill is suggestive. The building dates from the late 1700s, and perhaps the carvings were the work of a bored mill hand?
Whatever the truth of the matter, the site has become popular with neo-pagans who visit from all over the world. Many leave offerings that can be found hanging on trees and inside the cracks and crevices of the derelict mill.
The South West Coast Path also crosses through the valley.
Further reading
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