River Gannel

The River Gannel (Cornish: Dowr Gwyles, meaning lovage river) rises in the village of Indian Queens in mid Cornwall, England, United Kingdom. It flows north under Trevemper Bridge and becomes a tidal estuary, the Gannel (Cornish: An Ganel, meaning the Channel), that divides the town of Newquay from the village of Crantock and joins the Celtic Sea.

Gannel
The River Gannel below Trevemper Bridge
Location
CountryEngland
RegionCornwall
Physical characteristics
Source 
 • locationCarland Cross
 • coordinates50.3492°N 5.0256°W / 50.3492; -5.0256
 • elevation115 m (377 ft)
MouthAtlantic Ocean
 • location
Pentire
 • coordinates
50.4103°N 5.1243°W / 50.4103; -5.1243
 • elevation
0 m (0 ft)
Length13 km (8.1 mi)

The estuary contains a historic boatyard and is an important location for migratory birds.

The river is known for a legend called the Gannel Crake, an unusual noise which might be heard "crying out". During the 19th century it was described as being like "a thousand voices pent up in misery, with one long wail dying away in the distance".[1][2] It is traditionally referred to by the superstitious natives as the cry of a troubled spirit that ever haunts the scene.[3]

In 2014, storms damaged a wall that altered the course of the river, so that it now flows across Crantock beach.[4]

Ferry
Gannel Ferry
The Gannel above Crantock Beach

A seasonal ferry runs from the Fern Pit across to Crantock beach.

Ship Building

In the 1870s Thomas and John Clemens built 10 schooners.[5]

References
  1. http://www.newquaytowncouncilcornwall.co.uk/local/?i=39%5B%5D
  2. "Gannel Estuary". The Newquay Guide. Retrieved 23 July 2017.
  3. Heath, Sidney (1911). "The Cornish riviera". Archive.org. Blackie and Son Limited. Retrieved 23 July 2017.
  4. "More rescues at 'unpredictable' storm-damaged Crantock beach". BBC News. 22 October 2019. Retrieved 13 October 2020.
  5. "Heritage nurtured upon the high seas - Newquay Voice". www.newquayvoice.co.uk. Retrieved 31 March 2018.


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