Loe Bar

Cornwall Information & Accommodation Guide

Loe Bar and the Loe Pool which lies behind it are unique feature in this area and have an interesting history with numerous legends associated with the Loe.

Loe Pool is the largest lake in Cornwall. It is possible to walk beside the lake starting here or at Helston. The land is part of the Penrose Estate.

The River Cober flows through Helston into the lake and is trapped at its seaward end by the large shingle bank which is called the Loe. Trout live in the lake and the bird life is of interest to ornithologists and amateur bird watchers.


Loe Bar in Folklore

Legend states that the wicked giant, Tregeagle is responsible for creating this unusual barrier. It is said that whilst running from the devil who was pursuing him, he dropped his sack of stones and here they lie today separating the Cober River and the sea.

Another legend relates that Loe Pool is the resting place of King Arthur's sword, Excalibur.


Loe Bar in History

Loe Bar has been the scene of many shipwrecks, some of those recorded are as early as the 1400s. One of the most famous wrecks was that of HMS Anson in December 1807. After encountering fierce gales the Anson was run ashore on Loe Bar with the loss of over 120 lives including that of its captain, who died while trying to save a child. This tragedy inspired a local man Henry Tregrouse to invent his life saving rocket apparatus, the breeches buoy, used to throw a line to stricken vessels in order to save lives. A memorial to Henry Trengrouse can be seen in the church yard at Helston

In the past the bar was regularly broken, especially during winter months when the water level of the lake rose considerably, to let the water out from the lake and take the pressure off the mills which operated upstream. Today, a culvert allows any excess water to drain away to the sea.

To enjoy the walk from the outskirts of Helston, park at the car park on the B 3304 Helston to Porthleven road. The circular walk to the Loe Bar and back beside Loe Pool is about 6 miles long and there are numerous opportunities for bird watching and picnics. For the casual walker it is ideal to make a day of it and spend time relaxing at points along the way as the environment provides such a great contrast combining woodland, marshland, the lake and the coastal scenery.

Location:
IntoCornwall Area Map Lizard Peninsula

Road directions to Loe Bar

Books online:
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