Altarnun

Cornwall Information & Accommodation Guide

Altarnun, in Cornish Alternonn (also known as Pluwnonn), is a parish and village situated on the beautiful Bodmin Moor.

Altarnun village is particularly famous for its impressive parish church, known as the Cathedral of the Moor which is dedicated to the Celtic Saint Nonna, who was believed to have been buried here.

A Celtic Cross stands in the churchyard, believed to date from the 6th century and the Holy Well of St Nonna is located a short distance from the church 300 metres above Penpont Water. The well was thought to possess curative properties.

Other crosses located in this parish are Halvana Moor Cross, Occasiney Cross, Sanctuary Cross, Short Cross at Two-gates, Trekennick Cross, Tresmeak Cross and Vincent Mine Cross.

The River Inney, one of the chief tributaries of the Tamar River runs through the village and is crossed by a fine 15th century bridge. This stretch of the river is known as Penpont Water.

The Goodaver Stone Circle can be found within the parish near Bolventor. The Bronze Age circle has 24 of its original stones remaining. The site underwent some restoration in 1906 when some of the stones were incorrectly repositioned.

Also of archaeological interest, an unusual type of Cresset stone (earthenware lantern) was found at Lonka Moor in the parish.

There are remains of mining and quarrying in the parish: Trewint, where there is a gravel quarry, Tregune Mine, Treburland Mine, Wheal Vincent, Treburland Manganese deposits and Wheal Bray.

Altarnun parish contains the village of Fivelanes and the hamlets of Bolventor, Bowithick, Lower Tregunnon, Palmersbridge, South Carne, Tolborough, Tredaule, Treween and Trewint.

Altarnun has previously been the winner of the Britain in Bloom competition.

Altarnun parish has almost 10 miles (16km) of public footpaths.

Download a map of footpaths around Altarnun


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