The market town of St. Columb Major is to be found at the head of the Vale of Lanherne some six miles north-east of Newquay. The town boasts a fine church, dedicated in all probability to the maiden Columba who was martyred in Gaul. Restored in 1867, it still retains many of its earlier features. Of special interest also is the Old Rectory - originally intended as a college building . The old Cornish pastime of Hurling survives in the town; it is a rough and tumble event that takes place in the town's streets every Shrove Tuesday. Shutters are erected over shop windows and two teams of young men representing 'town' and 'country' fight to gain possession of a small silver ball until it is carried successfully to one of the two goals situated some distance away from the town.