Roche Rock, a volcanic upthrust of grainte dating back millions of years looks down upon the village of Roche. Many myths and legends attach themselves to the this geological wonder most of which are connected to the chapel built on the Rock and dedicated to St. Michael in 1409.

Ancient legend tells of an early Celtic saint, St. Conan, who piously took refuge here to commune with his god. He was a formidable character, achieving fame and distinction as one of the first Bishops of Cornwall. Eventually he left the Rock to install himself at that other romantic sanctuary of the archangel, St. Michael's Mount.

Another widespread legend suggests that after the chapel fell into disuse it was occupied by a hermit who was also a leper. It is said that his daughter Gunnett or Gundred climbed the Rock daily to tend to his needs and that she fetched him water for drinking and washing from a neaby well. Some say that this water came from the Roche's Holy Well but this would have been unlikely since it is more than a mile from the Rock and on the other side of the A30. There is talk of a well near the Rock which rose and fell with the tide but few believe this. It is more likely that Gunnett collected water from the River Fal which rises above the village and meanders its way across the Goss Moor on its long journey to the sea at Falmouth.

Legend also tells of the Giant Tregeagle from the Bodmin area who, on a rampage one night got his head stuck in the window of the chapel and bellowed and roared in temper. It is told that as a result he was banished to the coast somewhere on the Lizard to endlessly sweep the excess sand from the shores that was deposited on them by every incoming tide. For some time villagers of Roche on hearing the wind roaring through the rocks on wild nights lay awake fearing that the Giant Tregeagle had returned.

Roche Rock is something of a tourist attraction for people from all over the world. Had it been nearer to the coast it is likely that there would have been a turnstile, a teashop and a 20p charge to go into the hermit's cell. As it is, a notice explains that by permission of Lord Falmouth entrance is free but warns not to take pieces of the Rock as geological specimens or souvenirs. It is well worth a visit but be warned that you will need plenty of breath if you decide to climb to the top via the iron ladders placed there.