Cornwall


<p>We&#8217;re trying to embrace that good ol&#8217; saying that there&#8217;s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing choices, so when push comes to shove and you just can’t bear another argument about the TV remote, it’s time to tog up and get outside. Enter stage left with Muddy wellies, our pick of the finest family walks – tried and tested &#8211; throughout Cornwall.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Wheely happy walks</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Cardinham Woods (1.5 miles circular)</strong></h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2021/09/cardinham-woods.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-24630" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2021/09/cardinham-woods.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2021/09/cardinham-woods-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2021/09/cardinham-woods-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2021/09/cardinham-woods-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2021/09/cardinham-woods-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The ancient woodlands of Cardinham Woods are just the place for a autumnal outing with a real mix of trees for a spot of forest bathing, and a forest floor full of all sorts of interesting things for littlies to peer at. <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="The Lady Vale trail (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.forestryengland.uk/cardinham-woods/lady-vale-walk-cardinham-woods" target="_blank">The Lady Vale trail</a> is suitable for all types of wheels (except, perhaps not kids scooters &#8211; ours haven&#8217;t fared so well here). Keep them on the move with the <a href="https://www.forestryengland.uk/cardinham-woods/superworm-trail-cardinham-woods" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Superworm and friends trail</a>. You can just look for the panels on the self-led trail, or, activity packs are available to purchase for £3.50 from the Ranger&#8217;s Hut during opening hours.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Camel Trail</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2022/03/Camel-Estuary-from-Camel-Trail-RB-image.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-26385" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2022/03/Camel-Estuary-from-Camel-Trail-RB-image.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2022/03/Camel-Estuary-from-Camel-Trail-RB-image-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2022/03/Camel-Estuary-from-Camel-Trail-RB-image-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2022/03/Camel-Estuary-from-Camel-Trail-RB-image-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Bicycle is often the first type of wheels associated with The Camel Trail (bring your own, or find rentals in Padstow, Wadbridge and Bodmin), but it’s also an excellent flat route for wheels of all kinds. The part from Wadebridge to Padstow (or vice versa) is the most traditionally scenic part, being coastal and skirting the Camel Estuary, but in fact all parts of the trail have their own beauty alongside woodland, rivers and farmland. Pack your own drinks to enjoy mid-route, or, there&#8217;s a pub between Wadebridge and Bodmin. The Atlantic Coast Express First Class Buffet Car (between Wadebridge and Padstow) is open six days a week from 10am until 5pm, closed on a Friday until the end of October.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Pentewan Valley Trail, Nr St Austell (3.4 miles one way)</strong></h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2021/03/Pentewen.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-22271" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2021/03/Pentewen.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2021/03/Pentewen-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2021/03/Pentewen-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2021/03/Pentewen-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2021/03/Pentewen-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Another old railway line suitable for all sorts of wheels and on foot, this time the old Pentewan railway line between St Austell and Pentewan. Start in St Austell and walk to the beach, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Map here. (opens in a new tab)" href="https://claytrails.co.uk/pentewan-valley-trail" target="_blank">map here</a>, or, hire bikes from Pentewan Valley Cycle Hire just off the B3373 and cycle to St Austell and onto the Eden Project. Head to <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.theshipinnpentewan.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Ship Inn</a> at Pentewan for lunch afterwards.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Toddler friendly/ shorter walks</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lanhydrock?PlaceMapClick=198" target="_blank">Lanhydrock</a> estate, Nr Bodmin (various short walks, plus some longer options)</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2020/03/lanhydrock.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-18675" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2020/03/lanhydrock.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2020/03/lanhydrock-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2020/03/lanhydrock-667x500.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2020/03/lanhydrock-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Magnificent late Victorian country house with garden and wooded estate. The house is lovely, but the estate makes excellent woodland walking and the river at Respryn is extremely peaceful if you want somewhere inland to switch off &#8211; and a good bridge for a game of pooh sticks. Follow the old carriage drive to Bodmin Parkway station and back for a gentle two mile walk.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Trelissick, Nr Truro (North Woodland Walk 1.5 miles circular)</strong></h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2020/07/Truro-Trelissik-House-at-Feock.png" alt="" class="wp-image-19188" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2020/07/Truro-Trelissik-House-at-Feock.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2020/07/Truro-Trelissik-House-at-Feock-300x200.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2020/07/Truro-Trelissik-House-at-Feock-720x480.png 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2020/07/Truro-Trelissik-House-at-Feock-768x512.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2020/07/Truro-Trelissik-House-at-Feock-787x525.png 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>This is an easy, level walk alongside the upper reaches of the River Fal that can be accessed by parking in the main Trelissick National Trust car park and then spotting the signs for the woodland walk.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Bissoe Trail (short version)</strong></h3>



<p>The full trail is 11 miles long going from coast to coast, but if you park near the <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Bissoe Bike Hire Cafe (opens in a new tab)" href="https://bikechainbissoe.co.uk/cafe/" target="_blank">Bissoe Bike Hire Cafe</a> you can make the most of the toddler friendly flat path for as long or as little as you like before turning back and heading for the car.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Mid-length &amp; </strong>teen friendly walks</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Roughtor, Bodmin Moor (3 miles circular)</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2021/09/Bodmin-Moor-Roughtor-RB-image-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-28272" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2021/09/Bodmin-Moor-Roughtor-RB-image-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2021/09/Bodmin-Moor-Roughtor-RB-image-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2021/09/Bodmin-Moor-Roughtor-RB-image-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2021/09/Bodmin-Moor-Roughtor-RB-image-788x525.jpg 788w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2021/09/Bodmin-Moor-Roughtor-RB-image.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>There&#8217;s a dedicated and free carpark just onto the moor near Camelford from where you can see Roughtor. It looks steep, but at this time of year before the winter weather sets in, it is pretty easy going underfoot. The path isn&#8217;t marked at such but you&#8217;ll see where you&#8217;re going &#8211; which is up, to enjoy the view of the coast from the top. You could extend to a full 10km loop to take in Brown Willy (Cornwall&#8217;s highest point) but make sure you take appropriate kit and sustenance as the weather can change super fast. Either way, time your descent right and you might catch the first of the starling murmerations, as they start to gather from late September / early October onwards.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Fowey to Polridmouth, (3 miles circular)</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2021/01/polridmouth-3.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-21470" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2021/01/polridmouth-3.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2021/01/polridmouth-3-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2021/01/polridmouth-3-667x500.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2021/01/polridmouth-3-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2021/01/polridmouth-3-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>A short-ish walk from Fowey via Readymoney Cove and Polridmouth Cove with connections to Daphne du Maurier, taking in coast path and woodland as well as two beaches.&nbsp;<a href="https://cornwall.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/readmoney-cove-polridmouth-cove-fowey/">Find the whole route here.</a></p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Zennor, Nr St Ives (4.6 miles circular)</strong></h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2021/03/zennor-rb.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-22192" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2021/03/zennor-rb.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2021/03/zennor-rb-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2021/03/zennor-rb-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2021/03/zennor-rb-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2021/03/zennor-rb-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Starting in Zennor, where you can park for just £1, follow the signs down to the coast path and then turn left, past the spot where it is said you can hear the Zennor Mermaid singing (Pendour Cove) and more fantastic views of&nbsp;the ocean. The first half of the route follows the SW Coast Path (it skims the cliff edge at times so don’t forget a lead if&nbsp;your dog is going walkies too) and the inland route finishes on the ancient paths of the Zennor Churchway. Map&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.iwalkcornwall.co.uk/walk/zennor_to_gurnards_head" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Predannack to Kynance Cove (4.7 miles circular)</strong></h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2022/08/Kynance-Cove-johnny-such-huL0C7_HabQ-unsplash-1000x667.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-27949" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2022/08/Kynance-Cove-johnny-such-huL0C7_HabQ-unsplash-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2022/08/Kynance-Cove-johnny-such-huL0C7_HabQ-unsplash-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2022/08/Kynance-Cove-johnny-such-huL0C7_HabQ-unsplash-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2022/08/Kynance-Cove-johnny-such-huL0C7_HabQ-unsplash-788x525.jpeg 788w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2022/08/Kynance-Cove-johnny-such-huL0C7_HabQ-unsplash.jpeg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Instead of just parking at the carpark at the top of Kynance Cove and walking up and down to the beach, try starting instead at Predannack where you cross fields to reach the coast path, staying hugging the sea until you drop down into Kynance Cove, then back in land to where you started. There is a cafe at Kynance Cove beach itself. <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Map here (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.iwalkcornwall.co.uk/walk/predannack_to_kynance_cove" target="_blank">Map here</a>.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Chapel Porth to St Agnes</strong> <strong>(6.1 miles circular)</strong></h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2021/03/wheal-coates-st-agnes-resized.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-22231" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2021/03/wheal-coates-st-agnes-resized.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2021/03/wheal-coates-st-agnes-resized-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2021/03/wheal-coates-st-agnes-resized-720x480.jpeg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2021/03/wheal-coates-st-agnes-resized-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2021/03/wheal-coates-st-agnes-resized-787x525.jpeg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Another route where you follow the coast path out (for the dramatic mining ruins) and then inland woodland walk back. Start at Chapel Porth (you could also take a walk on the beach if the tide is out) and climb up and out of the valley, following the SW Coast Path with the sea to your left. You&#8217;ll reach St Agnes and Trevaunance Cove where there is again sand &#8211; and coffee &#8211; before heading back in land. <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Map here (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.iwalkcornwall.co.uk/walk/chapel_porth_to_st_agnes" target="_blank">Map here</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Got any other favourites? Let us know in the comments.</strong></p>


Boots on! Tried and tested local family walks

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