Legends, Landscapes and Learning on Bodmin Moor

Year 5 have been exploring myths and legends in their English and Humanities lessons, so it was fantastic to have their learning brought to life with a trip to Bodmin Moor and experience a designated World Heritage site on our doorstep. Despite wet, windy and misty weather, our intrepid pupils and staff took on the challenge with gusto, and we were extremely proud of them all.

Throughout the day, they learnt about the rich mining heritage of this landscape, and discussed reasons why copper mining had ceased in the area by 1890. Mr Jones shared with them his story of ‘boom and bust’ and the extraordinary news that copper mining here lasted just 50 years.

The circular walk began with a climb up Stowes Hill, which involved navigating across a boulder field in the fog. At the top, pupils paused to admire views of Brown Willy and Rough Tor. From there, the group passed the Cheesewring, a dramatic granite formation near the village of Minions on the eastern side of the moor. Its name is thought to come from its likeness to a pile of cheeses once pressed in a cider press.

Tradition tells of a contest between the giant Uther and Saint Tue, with the towering stack of rocks marking the outcome. Of course, scientists offer a rather different explanation, pointing to centuries of weathering and erosion. As the wind howled across the moor, pupils were quick to agree that nature might indeed have been responsible.

Pupils were fortunate to see moorland ponies and belted Galloway cows, with some of the children convinced that they had seen signs of the beast of Bodmin Moor.

The final stage of the journey took the pupils to the Pipers and the Hurlers, two sets of standing stones steeped in folklore. According to legend, they represent musicians and dancers who were turned to stone for their revelry on a sacred day. During the walk, pupils also heard from Rev Helen about their religious purposes.

Living and learning in Cornwall gives Truro School pupils a unique opportunity to engage with the county’s history and landscape first-hand. Many thanks go to the staff who led the trip with such energy and care, and to the pupils whose curiosity and resilience made the day such a success.