Cornwall


<p>Cornwall may be famous for its beaches, but when temperatures rise, some of its most magical places are found inland. Follow rivers through ancient woodland, discover hidden waterfalls, cool streams, birdsong and dappled shade. Whether you’re looking for a gentle family stroll, a dog-friendly adventure or somewhere to breathe away from the crowds, these are some of our favourite woodland walks for a hot summers day in Cornwall.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trebah-nr-falmouth"><a href="https://www.trebahgarden.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trebah</a>, Nr Falmouth</h2>



<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/9/2024/06/Trebah-Gardens-July-2025-Muddy-Stilettos-CornwallHero-Trebah-Valley-View-1000x667.jpg" alt="trebah valley view at Trebah Gardens Cornwall" class="wp-image-37580" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/06/Trebah-Gardens-July-2025-Muddy-Stilettos-CornwallHero-Trebah-Valley-View-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/06/Trebah-Gardens-July-2025-Muddy-Stilettos-CornwallHero-Trebah-Valley-View-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/06/Trebah-Gardens-July-2025-Muddy-Stilettos-CornwallHero-Trebah-Valley-View-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/06/Trebah-Gardens-July-2025-Muddy-Stilettos-CornwallHero-Trebah-Valley-View.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>One of Cornwall’s Great Gardens, <a href="https://www.trebahgarden.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trebah</a> is a magical year-round delight. This sub-tropical Cornish garden, steeped in heritage, creativity and the spirit of innovation, is also home to a private beach, with many secret garden corners waiting to be discovered, and even a unique outdoor theatre. In summer, the giant gunnera is a must see and provides shelter over four miles of footpaths wind through dazzling exotic planting down to the shores of the Helford River, where you can cool off at the private beach.</p>



<p><strong>Pitstop</strong>: Visitors enjoy free entry to <a href="https://www.trebahgarden.co.uk/eating-and-drinking" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trebah Kitchen</a>, as well as the new walled Court Garden, the plant centre and shop and, with garden admission, don’t miss the Boathouse Beach Café down on the shore of the Helford.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-st-nectan-s-glen-nr-tintagel"><a href="https://www.st-nectansglen.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St Nectan&#8217;s Glen</a>, Nr Tintagel</h2>



<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/9/2024/06/St-nectans-glen-1-1000x667.jpg" alt="St nectans glen Cornwall" class="wp-image-34209" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/06/St-nectans-glen-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/06/St-nectans-glen-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/06/St-nectans-glen-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/06/St-nectans-glen-1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>At St Nectan’s Glen, a woodland walk leads to one of Cornwall’s most magical waterfalls &#8211; pack your bathing suit, as you can stand right underneath the water if you desire, or just cool off your feet. </p>



<p>The river Trevillet has carved its way through Late Devonian slate, created a magnificent 60 foot waterfall and punched a hole through the original kieve (basin). Revered as a sacred place, ribbons, crystals, photographs, inscriptions, prayers and other devotions now adorn the foliage and rock walls near the waterfall, where water now cascades through the beautiful valley. The waterfall is accessible via the woodland walk which is approximately one mile long, and is said to have healing properties.</p>



<p><strong>Pitstop</strong>: At the entrance you’ll also find a café and shop.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-respryn-nr-lostwithiel">Respryn, Nr Lostwithiel</h2>



<p>For a gentler woodland escape, head to Respryn Bridge on the edge of the Lanhydrock estate. This peaceful stretch of the River Fowey is shaded by ancient woodland, with riverside paths, picnic spots and shallow water that make it a favourite with walkers and dog owners looking to escape the summer heat.</p>



<p><strong>Pitstop</strong>: The delightful Duchy of Cornwall Nursery at Cott Road is just a short drive away, for cold drinks, lunches and afternoon teas. For coffee, try <a href="https://www.thebrewbox.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Brewbox</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-golitha-falls-nr-liskeard">Golitha Falls, Nr Liskeard</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="671" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2019/10/Golitha-Falls-1000x671.jpeg" alt="Golitha Falls" class="wp-image-38394" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2019/10/Golitha-Falls-1000x671.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2019/10/Golitha-Falls-800x537.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2019/10/Golitha-Falls-768x516.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2019/10/Golitha-Falls.jpeg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>One of Cornwall’s most magical woodland walks, Golitha Falls follows the River Fowey through ancient oak woodland, where the water tumbles over granite boulders in a series of dramatic cascades. It’s a beautiful place to escape the summer heat, with moss-covered trees, birdsong and plenty of shady spots to pause by the river. The falls are at their most spectacular after rain, but the woodland walk is worth visiting all year round.</p>



<p><strong>Pitstop: </strong>The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/blislandinn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blisland Inn</a> is not too far away but may I recommend making it a jaunt pre-4pm on Weds to Sunday. If so, BBQ joint, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/inkiesbbqjoint/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Inkie’s Smokehouse</a> in the Golitha Falls car park, will be open. They serve a menu of slap-up bacon sandwiches (try the Hillbilly, you can thank, me later) plus beers and their own moonshine cocktail.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Kennall Vale</h2>



<p>The village of Ponsanooth lies in a idyllic Cornish valley about 2-3 miles north of Penryn on the Falmouth to Redruth road and the magical woodland nature reserve, Kennall Vale is the site of a historic gunpowder works. Walk beside the river through the woods.</p>



<p>In 1812 a gunpowder works was established here to serve the Cornish mining industry. The sheltered valley and trees provided a safe environment for risky industry and the river provided vital power. Ruins of the granite buildings and mills, reclaimed by nature, are scattered throughout the woodland and along the river banks, giving a magical glimpse of the past and forming part of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site.</p>



<p><strong>Pitstop:</strong> If you don&#8217;t mind a short drive, <a href="http://www.pandorainn.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Pandora Inn</a> on beautiful Restronguet Creek is not far. Perfect if you have dogs and kids in tow, they have tables on the jetty, where the children can do some crabbing, while you sink a beer or two and enjoy the scenery</p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-mood-for-more">IN THE MOOD FOR MORE?</h2>



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Cool Cornwall: shady woodland walks near water

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