A Local’s Guide on thier top 10 Favourite Walks in Cornwall
Myself and the team have come up with a list of our personal favourite walks in South East Cornwall and the Tamar Valley – The rolling hillside and riverside trails here make up this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty into a walking paradise! Along the border between Devon and Cornwall, the rich diversity of wild moorland and rugged coastline is threaded with ancient footpaths and mining history just waiting to be explored… just lace up your walking boots and remember a flask of your favourite brew.
1. Dartmoor Walk to Birch Tor
Our first stop is on Dartmoor – This easy stroll along a fairly even path takes you to Birch Tor for some spectacular views and perhaps even some sightings of the local dartmoor pony’s over one mile easy walking. The walk starts at the back of the car park, off the B3212 at SX 682819. There is a narrow track linking to a wider one. This will lead you to the top of the hill, follow the path up to the large pile of rocks and follow along the top to Birch Tor.
After taking in the views you can then retrace your steps back to your car, and if you’re feeling inclined make a brief visit to Warren House Inn for a little tipple of choice, don’t mind if i make mine an Otter Amber Ale!
2. Calstock to Cotehele
If you’re looking for a walk that takes you through the quieter edges of Cornwall, this scenic route along the River Tamar is perfect. Starting in the charming village of Calstock, you’ll meander through peaceful riverside paths and woodlands before reaching the historic Cotehele House and quay, this involves a little bit of a hill. Once you get to this grand National Trust property pop inside it is well worth a visit, especially if you’re lucky enough to catch the stunning festive floral garland adorning the Main Hall during the festive season!
From Cotehele, you’ll loop round via the tranquil Danescombe Valley,
via Lower Kelly and Cotehele’s chapel.
Why not finish with a well earned stop in Calstock at one of its cosy riverside pubs?
3. Lerryn to St. Winnow
Okay, this is one of my all-time childhood favourites, this trail follows a byway from Lerryn along the former quays of the Lerryn River into Ethy Woods. The route then follows paths through the woods along the edge of the River Lerryn and up the River Fowey to St Winnow, it’s a tranquil walk that’s quite hidden away from the beaten path.
The walk passes through the churchyard and then follows footpaths across the fields to Ethy Mill where the walk re-enters the woods to reach the parkland surrounding Ethy House. The final section traverses the former grounds of the house to reach Lerryn!
Why not pack a flask and some sandwiches and stop along the way to take in the beautiful River views!
4. Kit Hill Walk
Located just a few miles from our Tamar View Holiday Park, this is a firm favourite for our guests with dogs, and for those that just want to take some time to themselves to get some air surrounded by miles of vast panoramic views of the English Countryside. The best part is that you choose how far you wish to walk,
Half way up the hill you will see the turning for Louis tea rooms, you will not find a more charming locals spot for a substantial lunch with amazing value for money, outstanding views and friendly and attentive team!
5. Tamar Trails
Enjoy over 25km of walking trails to explore from Tamar Trails Centre.
These hiking trails will lead you through the woods to breathtaking views of the Tamar valley and a landscape shaped by the area’s mining heritage. Situated between Tavistock and Callington on the Devon Cornwall border, the walking trails are here for everyone to enjoy, and lead through old Cornish arsenic and tin mines. Bring your bikes or your walking boots and spend your day getting lost in the woods…
6. Seaton Beach to Downderry
A firm family favourite is autumnal walks along the beach from Seaton to Downderry with a stop in at the Inn on the Shore for a refreshing pint overlooking the sea. It’s also a popular wild swimming spot all year round so if you feel up to braving it, bring your dry robe and a flask of hot tea and get involved!
If you are like me and would rather stick to observing from the shoreline than that’s perfectly fine too. Once in Downderry you can either follow the road path back down to the car park or retrace your footsteps along the beach back to Seaton.
7. Rame Head to Whitsand Bay
One of Cornwall’s hidden gems on the Rame Peninsula, the walk takes you from the shelter of Plymouth Sound, around rugged Rame Head to the vast sandy sweep of Whitsand Bay. The bay is shrouded in history, from the chapel where the Armade was first spotted, and the Napoleonic fort at Polhawn, to the remains of the Iron Age promontory.
For best sunset viewings I recommend finding a spot on Rame head overlooking Whitsand bay in time to watch the local fishing boats, sometimes you can even see porpoises playing in their wake.
8. Cheesewring – Bodmin Moor Walk
The Cheesewring is an incredible stack of large flat granite boulders on Stowes Hill. They look as though they have been deliberately stacked with a pillar to support an overhang.
This is a circular walk starting at Minions following round to the Hurlers and on to Cheesewring, prepare for well-preserved mining infrastructure, amazing rock formations and a unique series of stone circles.
9. Mount Edgecumbe to Cawsand
This picturesque walk passes through the formal gardens of the Mount Edgcumbe Country Park then joins you to the coast path to reach a magnificent ruin overlooking Plymouth Sound. The route then follows woodland paths and joins the Warn Sandway to Kingsand with views over Cawsand Bay.
The walk then climbs up to the Maker Heights to reach Maker Church and then descends through the deer park to complete the circular route.
10. Golitha Falls to Sibly Back Lake
This circular walk passes through the infamous Golitha Falls Nature Reserve along ancient rights of way to pass around Siblyback Lake where the remains of a medieval field system rises from the water when reservoir levels fall.
Golitha Falls are a series of spectacular cascades and waterfalls along a section of the River Fowey as it makes its way through the ancient oak woodland of Draynes Wood and well worth a visit!
