We’re captivated by our local stretch of cliff path (naturally) but are also enamoured with the Cornish countryside. Often overlooked for the coast, rural Cornwall is as diverse as it is charismatic.
And Tom’s Cottage sits slap bang in the middle of it all - hidden valleys with rolling pastoral vistas, open moorland and inland waters. So we’re sharing our top ten rural walks.
Trails
For both the hardened hiker and path potterer…
The Saints Way: an almost 30 mile coast-to-coast trek, from Padstow to Fowey. As stunning as it is varied, this quiet route largely uses footpaths, passing a plethora of lesser-known heritage sites. Some walk it in 2 days (breaking at Lanivet), others split it into 8 or 9 easier sections of 3 to 5 miles at a time. Recommended guide book: Forth and Syns’ The Saints Way (leaflet pack), currently available from Wadebridge Book Shop 01208-812489 (£7.99)
The Copper Trail: 57 miles circumnavigating Bodmin Moor. Wide open ruggedness and what we almost love most: the soft contrast of peripheral areas. These have a specific rustic ambience: only found where farmed land meets moorland. Places lost in time – the buffer between two worlds. The western legs of this walk (Bodmin to Five Lanes) are closest to Tom’s Cottage (St Breward being about 7 miles away). Recommended guide book: Mark Camp’s The Copper Trail
The Camel Trail: 17-ish mile purpose laid trail-surface following an old railway route, from the edge of Bodmin Moor to Padstow. Famed as an off-road cycle route, this is a multi-use trail that’s popular with walkers (and occasional horses!) Wenford Bridge to Bodmin section is the quietest, following the River Camel through woodland. We recommend Snail’s Pace Café when setting out. Either side of Bodmin and Wadebridge towns can be busier, as are the approaches to Padstow; but the entire length is flat going. The river and landscape broaden over the miles. Birdwatching hides en route, no map needed: just follow your nose into nature.
Goss Moor: 7 mile circular through a nature reserve and another multi-use, off-road surfaced trail. A little further from us (but under 20 miles away), this mid-Cornwall ‘moor’ differs from Bodmin Moor in its expanse of heathland rather than the rocky peaks of tors. Legendary hunting ground of King Arthur it’s now a butterfly spotter’s paradise.
Sunday style walks
When it’s more a stroll type day…
St Nectans Glen 1 mile of streamside woodland to the waterfalls (admission fee payable). Truly magical place where the Knights of the Round Table were blessed before setting off on their quest for the Holy Grail. Uneven path, occasionally visited by bus parties.
Rocky Valley: loosely across the road from St Nectan’s Glen and another 1 mile out-and-back amble. Renowned for its natural beauty and sudden emergence onto clifftop.
Siblyback Lake: 3½ mile circular around a reservoir on laid path. Beautiful setting and wonderful drive along the Draynes Valley to get there (take the road from Bolventor – home of Jamacia Inn).
Golitha Falls: close enough to Sibblyback to combine into a 6 mile walk with the iWalkCornwall app, or a stand alone amble through ancient woodland. More a series of Cornish rapids than a 1-hit waterfall, this is worth visiting.
Roughtor and Brown Willy: 4½ miles of Cornwall in the buff. As raw and genuine as it comes. The very heart of Bodmin Moor, these twin peaks provide panoramic views in every direction. Neolithic stone circles, moorland ponies and sheer wilderness. 6½ miles from Tom’s Cottage.
Delabole Quarry 2 miles of easy going for the sure-footed. An obvious footpath around what was (until recently) the biggest man-made hole in Europe where slate is still ‘lightly’ quarried.
Everything but a National Park
The above will take you through National Landscapes, SSSIs and Cornwall Heritage sites. There’ll be fresh air and wide-open spaces, a lot of nature and embracing of the elements.
Fancy planning your own landscape escape? We suggest exploring Cornwall Wildlife Trust nature reserves and highly recommend the iWalk Cornwall app.
Tom’s Cottage caters for walkers (and damp dogs) with the utility room situated inside the main door – slate floored with coat hooks and space for muddy boots; and washing machine right there should anyone need to peel off mucky clothes (and the wet-room is only a few paces away!)
The kitchen is just beyond, because a cuppa obviously comes next. Then it’s just a matter of easing into the sofa and relaxing by the wood-burner. Bliss!
