Views towards Bodmin Moor from Central Bark

Walkers are drawn to Cornwall all year round.

The Kernock estate lies in the Lyner Valley on the edge of the Tamar Valley National Landscape, between Dartmoor National Park, Bodmin Moor and the Rame Peninsula (known as Cornwall’s forgotten south east coastal corner).

With fabulous moorland, country parks, beaches and unspoilt coastal towns, in addition to the glorious South West Coastal Path, walkers are spoilt for choice within the area. Here are our favourites:

1. Bodmin Moor – Golitha Falls, Siblyback Lake and Minions

National Landscape

Golitha Falls on the River Fowey on Bodmin Moor and Inkie's Smokehouse BBQ in the car park

Golitha Falls and Inkie’s Smokehouse

Bodmin Moor, a designated National Landscape, is a beautiful and wild landscape of open hills and rugged tors, with villages and farms in the lower valleys. It is the largest of Cornwall’s granite uplands, an area rich in history, archaeology and important conservation sites.

Golitha Falls is a favourite for us and our guests. Follow the wooded valley along the river Fowey’s cascading waterfalls for as long a walk as you desire. The first part of the walk is level and fairly accessible.

If you are out for the day, try the iWalkCornwall 6 mile circular walk taking in both Golitha Falls and Siblyback Lake. Also combine this with another popular walk, the Minions and Cheesewring circular walk . For a wheelchair and pushchair friendly option enjoy Golitha Falls and then drive to Siblyback Lake and enjoy a 5km accessible walk around the lake. (OS Map 109 available in your Kernock cottage for use during your stay)

Refreshments

Inkie’s Smokehouse in the car park at Golitha Falls is a treat for breakfast, brunch or lunch (open Wednesday to Sunday only). Read this Cornwall Live article on this gem of a place.

2. The Rame Head

Scenic unspoilt peninsula

Using a tramper all terrain mobility scooter in South East Cornwall

Trampers all terrain mobility scooters

Known as Cornwall’s Forgotten Corner, the Rame Peninsula has a fabulous wealth of scenery and natural interest, which has gained it National Landscape status, as well as being of historical importance (the Rame forts form the western part of the most extensive and complete historic coastal defences in the UK, dating back to the 16th Century). The Peninsula is bounded on three sides by water – on the southerly side you have the English Channel; to the east lies Plymouth Sound, and the northernmost parts run along the confluence of the Lynher and Tamar rivers.

The South West Coast Path contours the peninsula, providing wonderful vistas over the great sweep of Whitsand Bay and giving access to the picturesque villages of Kingsand, Cawsand, Antony, Cremyll, and Millbrook (among others) on its more sheltered aspects. Everywhere on the peninsula has lovely walks and an abundance of wildlife, flora, and history.

Maker Church to Kingsand

This is a glorious walk of about an hour and a half (ex stops) on the Rame Peninsula. From the top, near Maker Church, you get sweeping views up the Tamar estuary towards Devonport and Torpoint. Park in the Maker Church car park PL10 1JB and start your walk behind the Church.

Drop down through the deer park onto the South West Coast Path and you get views towards Plymouth. There are woods flanking the inland edge of the path which are resplendent with swathes of bluebells in May. Following the path round, you come to the pretty twin fishing villages of Kingsand and Cawsand, nestling in the crook of the peninsula. The clear blue waters of this sheltered cove make it a popular swimming spot. If you take the footpath up the hill out of the village (it is quite steep, this part, so you may need to stop and admire the view a couple of times!), make tracks for The Canteen at Maker Heights (details below).

Mount Edgecombe

For a glorious leisurely walk accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs, Mount Edgecombe Country Park is top of the list in this area. There are five circular walks including the 2 mile Tree trail around this earliest landscaped park in Cornwall. Guests at Kernock have also hired a tramper at Mount Edgecombe. Enjoy refreshments at Mount Edgecombe or drive to The Canteen (don’t miss the hidden left turn off the main road). (OS map 108 available in your Kernock Cottage for use during your stay)

Refreshments

The Canteen– Maker Heights https://www.facebook.com/makercanteen, quirkily housed in a series of Nissen huts, with ex-River Cottage chef, serves fabulous food (dogs welcome outside, but not in, so pick a sunny day and enjoy the fantastic views!). A little gem at the top of the last hill on the Rame Peninsula before you meet the river Tamar.

3. Newbridge through Cadsonbury Woods PL17 7HL

Stunning river walk

The walk along the Lynher river in Cadsonbury Woods to the Iron Age Cadsonbury Hill Fort

Cadsonbury Woods and Hill Fort

This is a delightful walk with several loops to suit different abilities, including wheelchairs on the section of river closest to the (free) car park. The path follows the River Lynher, and has plenty of points for doggy paddling opportunities. There is abundant wildlife here – otters are occasionally spotted in the river, and in the Spring there are carpets of bluebells and clumps of flag iris. If you’ve got the legs for it, then it is worth crossing the road and climbing up Cadsonbury Hill to the Iron Age hill fort, from where you get excellent views of the surrounding countryside. (OS map 108 available in your Kernock Cottage for use during your stay)

4. Cotehele National Trust to Calstock

Beautiful woodland and river walks

View from Cotehele of the viaduct over the Tamar River at Calstock

Calstock Viaduct from Cotehele

There are plenty of lovely walks at Cotehele NT, with glorious views of the river Tamar. The river is tidal here – quieter, wider and more placid as it gets towards the estuary, gently sculpting the landscape in wide, lazy loops. Highly recommended is the walk to Calstock Viaduct from Cotehele and back.

Park at the Cotehele Quay car park and take the footpath to the right, which climbs gently around the contours of the river to a viewing point. From here, you get a first glimpse of the elegant Calstock Viaduct, which is the largest viaduct in Britain to be built entirely of concrete blocks, and which is also notable for its slender proportions. Continue close to the banks of the river to Calstock itself with a slightly bohemian vibe and is a well-known centre for arts and music. We recommend the Lishe for refreshments before your return.

Accessibility

There are accessible loos at Cotehele Quay, but the walk itself is steep in parts, and not suitable for wheelchairs. There are several walks around Cotehele between the Quay and Mill and the first part of the walk that are suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Alternatively, book a Tramper in advance to explore.

Park at the NT Cotehele Quay car park SN PL12 6TA £3 per day, or free to NT members. (OS map 108 available in your Kernock Cottage for use during your stay)

Refreshments

Lishe teashop-come-café at Calstock for tea, coffee, delicious homemade soups, bread and cakes https://lishe.co.uk/
The Edgecumbe, Cotehele Quay, indulge in a Cornish cream tea (jam first, of course!!). Settle in by the fire with the dog curled at your feet on a blustery day (the Edgcumbe is dog-friendly), or sit outside and enjoy the view of The Shamrock in the sunshine Eating and drinking at Cotehele National Trust

5. Looe, Talland and Polperro

Cornish fishing towns on the South West Coast Path

The South West Coastal path full route from Looe to the charming fishing village of Polperro is 5.7 miles each way, but there are pit stops at Talland, and Polperro has lots of watering stops in its narrow winding streets. This is a lovely section of the South West Coast Path.

Drive to Looe and park in Marine Drive PL13 2DJ, which is close to the footpath proper, park in the Millpool car park, or if you want a bit more excitement then park at Liskeard Station and take the 8 3/4-mile Looe Valley Line train (dog-friendly) to Looe, which is one of the great scenic railway routes of the UK, and follows the estuary as the river flows to the sea. You want to start with the river Looe on your left so that you can walk West along the coast path to Polperro. You can also shorten the walk by just doing the Looe to Talland leg, or alternatively take the 73 bus back from Polperro to Looe https://bustimes.org/services/73-liskeard-looe-pelynt-polperro

Accessibility

There is a bit of up and down on this stretch of the Coast Path, and several areas where there are long flights of steps, so not suitable for buggies or wheelchairs. The towns themselves provide a real Cornish day out meandering the streets of these popular fishing villages and Polperro’s abundant art and craft exhibits. (OS map 107 available in your Kernock Cottage for use during your stay)

Refreshments

Both Looe and Polperro have many great pubs and cafes to enjoy.

The Sardine Factory: Recent guests provided a super review of The Sardine Factory’s seafood tapas lunch. Located on the west side of the Looe river estuary is close to your car if you parked at Marine Drive or on your way back to the Millpool car park.