2 weeks Ago By [email protected] (Kris Boratyn, Tom Kershaw)
In the serene surroundings of Cornwall's north coast lies St Cuthbert's Cave, also known as Holywell Cave, reputed for its enigmatic "secret healing powers" that historically attracted pilgrims and those in search of cures from across the country. Tucked into the cliffs of Kelsey Head near Newquay, this mesmerising spot is celebrated for its colourful geological formations and its sacred spring. Legend has it that the spring water within this cave boasts remarkable curative abilities, a belief lending the name to the nearby Holywell Bay.
Centuries past saw pilgrims journeying here, including mothers with ailing children, all hopeful for healthful miracles, often leaving behind their walking sticks as testament to the spring's miraculous effects. The water, rich in minerals primarily due to the limestone deposits which enrich it with high concentrations of calcium, traces its origins to the gradual dissolution of rock by rainwater that morphs into carbonic acid. This process creates an arresting spectacle within the cave: a dazzling array of water basins set amidst a grotto alive with bright hues.
The taste of the water has even been likened to that of "cereal milk," feeding into idyllic pools that eventually escape to the beach. Access to this sublime creation of nature is a captivating adventure in itself; a visit is only possible when tides recede, exposing the northeastern beach end at Holywell Bay and revealing the cavern that hosts the spring, which the sea cleanses twice every day. Those who venture in will find ancient steps, hewn directly into the rock many years prior, inviting them upwards into the heart of this architectural marvel crafted by nature itself, reports the Express .
The steps, now worn by time and the elements, were once the path for countless visitors drawn to the cave's promise of healing or simply to marvel at its natural splendour. Today's explorers can immerse themselves in the vibrant red, green, and yellow hues that dance across the cave walls, alongside awe-inspiring rock structures. The cave has long been shrouded in mystique, with William Hals noting in his 17th-century 'History of Cornwall' the allure it held as a site of mystical properties.
He remarked on the throngs of people who would journey from afar during the summer months to partake in the spring's "elixir of life". For those looking to venture into this enchanting space, it is recommended to do so at low tide and to bring a torch for safety..
