Stithians Lake is the largest inland body of water in West Cornwall. The Stithians Show offers another perspective on the area: it has agricultural roots and a programme ranging from animals to music.
The lake and paths around Stithians Lake
Fly fishing is permitted at Stithians Lake from both the shore and a boat. A circular route of just under five miles goes around the lake; there is also a cycle path along the north shore. When planning your day, you can choose between a walk around the lake, cycling along the northern shore and fly fishing from the shore or a boat. Each option offers a different focus: walking around the lake, cycling along the north shore or fishing. Just under five miles is around eight kilometres, making it easier to gauge the length of the circular route.
The Farm to Fork Café is also located at Stithians Lake. It serves high-quality, locally produced Cornish products. Before travelling, check whether the café is open before planning it as a fixed meal stop.
The Stithians Show: Agriculture, Competition and Music
The Stithians Show dates back to 1834. Local parishioners founded it as a challenge focused on the quality of produce and livestock. The programme includes displays and demonstrations, animals, a fairground, historic vehicles, food and crafts, as well as stalls featuring local producers.
At the Stithians Show, visitors can watch or take part in classes ranging from pigeons to show jumping. Live music is featured on the Main Stage and at the Buskers’ Corner Pop-Up Festival. If you would like to include the show in your trip, check the event dates in advance.
Church and industrial history
The Church of St Stythian has a lower chancel structure thought to date from the 13th century; the rest of the building dates from the 15th century. St Stythian is also a stop on the Mining Villages Trail. This adds a tangible connection to a wider trail to the church’s architectural history.
In nearby Kennall Vale, the river flows through a valley dotted with numerous ruins from Cornwall’s 19th-century industrial era. The gunpowder works there preserve an unusually complete series of relatively well-preserved features. The historical highlights can therefore be distinguished: the building phases of a church on the one hand, and preserved features of industrial history on the other.
Stay by the lake
The campsite at Stithians Lake offers grass pitches, pitches with electric hookups and three glamping bell tents. This gives you a choice of pitches and glamping tents when planning your overnight stay.
Discover more destinations: St Just, Saint Clether, Withiel, Saint Stephen, Porthcurno, Landrake, Saint Austell, Porthallow.
For the wider travel overview: Cornwall.
