With the arrival of autumn, wild winds whip up over the Atlantic, leaving some sections of the South West Coast Path difficult to traverse. Luckily for us, Cornwall is home to a stunning selection of woodland walks, perfect for enjoying during the wetter and windier season
Cardinham Woods Lady Vale, Bodmin
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1.7 miles / 0.9 miles
Ideal for families, Cardinham Woods’ wide paths are set amongst a woodland haven. Make your way along stream-side trails before stopping off at Woods Café for a sandwich or a cream tea.
Cardinham Woods has four walking trails on offer, with Lady Vale being the shortest. This picturesque all-ability route is appropriate for wheelchairs, pushchairs, pets and children. Follow the river upstream towards the bridge, before climbing a very slight slope on the return stretch. If you’re looking for an even shorter walk, cross the Centenary Bridge to return to the car park.
King’s Wood and Pentewan Valley, St Austell
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 3.2 miles
Take a circular walk through the King's Wood Woodland Trust reserve to the historic abandoned port of Pentewan. Pause for a bite to eat and refreshments at Into the Woods pub or the Ship Inn.
Follow the path along the track bed of the old horse-drawn tramway, once used to transport china clay to the previously bustling port. The route also passes through a system of reservoirs and sluices that were used to flush sand from the harbour. Enjoy the diverse woodland with broad-leaved trees, including willow, alder, and yellow flag iris. After heavy rainfall, wellies are recommended, especially whilst winding along the St Austell River on the return leg. When the weather is favourable, stop by the beach, but note that there is a seasonal dog ban.
Mylor, Penryn and Enys Gardens
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Distance: 7 miles
Enjoy a circular walk along the enchanting creeks of the Carrick Roads and through the woodlands of the Enys Estate, famous for spring bluebells. This route takes you through Mylor, Penryn, and Flushing, with an option to detour to Mylor Harbour and Castaways for a meal or stop off at the Royal Standard in Flushing.
Start from Mylor Bridge, where there is free parking. Walk uphill, take the first left onto Comfort Road, and then turn left onto Broads Lane. Follow it to a gateway marked ‘Private Road’ and continue on the public footpath.
Walk via Enys, Gwarder, and Pencoose to Penryn. Turn right, head down Church Hill, and follow the path below St Gluvias Church to Flushing. In Flushing, turn left after the Royal Standard, find a narrow path, and cross fields to a road junction. Turn left, then cross a stile on the right towards Trelew Farm and follow the road back to Mylor Bridge.
Penrose and Loe Pool, Helston
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Distance: 6.2 miles
This mostly flat, circular route follows the edge of Loe Pool – Cornwall’s largest natural lake. You will also enjoy the woodlands at Penrose Estate and pass briefly over Loe Bar, famous for its treacherous waters. Stop off for refreshments at The Stables National Trust Café.
Starting at Helston Boating Lake, enter Penrose Estate and follow the path through the woodland anti-clockwise around Loe Pool. When you reach Loe Bar, cross over the beach before joining another woodland trail which brings you past the café and back to the car park. Avoid this route after especially heavy rainfall as there may be some flooding and avoid swimming at Loe Bar at all times of the year. This is a great route for dogs as there are no roads once you enter the estate. There is free parking next to Helston Boating Lake.
Tehidy Country Park, Camborne
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 3 miles
Tehidy Wood Circular Walk is a family-friendly adventure through the largest woodland in West Cornwall. With over 9 miles of paths and 250 acres of woods and lakes, it’s perfect for all ages and skill levels. Stroll around charming lakes, cross streams, and explore dense forest areas rich in flora and fauna. Stop off at Tehidy Country Park Café for food and drinks.
Starting from the car park, head southwest into the forest and keep left at the first junction. Continuing left, skirt around a lake, cross two streams, and onwards through tranquil woods. Turn left again at the small bridge, following the path uphill. From here, loop back to the junction and over the bridge. Continue through the woods until you reach South Drive and follow the road for a short distance. Take a right back into the forest, past the café to arrive back at the car park.
St Nectan’s Glen and Trivillet Valley, Trethevy
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 4.8 miles
Embark on a mystical circular walk from Bossiney, winding through broadleaf woodland to the spectacular waterfall at St Nectan's Glen. Stop at St Nectan’s Glen café before returning via the wildlife area created from the old slate tips of Trevillett Quarry.
Begin your journey from Bossiney, heading into the enchanting St Nectan's Glen. Enjoy the serene woodland paths as you make your way to the picturesque St Nectan's Kieve waterfall (note: an admission fee applies to visit the waterfall, but not the facilities or café). Continue your walk, relishing panoramic views over Tintagel and St Nectan's Glen from Trewinnick, before returning to the car park. This route can get marshy in places, so it’s best to avoid after lots of rain and always wear waterproof shoes. It’s not the best for dogs, as there is a 300-metre stretch along a B-road. However, this route offers a blend of mystical scenery and woodland adventure, ideal for a captivating nature walk.
Danescombe Valley, Calstock
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 2.5 miles
Start at Cotehele Quay to enjoy this circular walk through broadleaf woodland, where bluebells thrive in summer and funghi carpets the floor in autumn. There’s a National Trust café at Cotehele Quay where you can stop to refuel at the end of the route.
Take the path above the car park and follow it into the woods until you reach a viewpoint that looks out towards the Calstock Viaduct. Continue up a steep slope and take a right towards Calstock at the next junction. At the bottom of the hill turn left and continue past the ruins of Danescombe Sawmill. From here, cross over the bridge and follow the trail keeping the water to your left. Turn left at the road, then left again, to make your way back with the stream on your right. You’ll eventually reach the car park and the end of this beautiful walk.
