Cornwall’s Best Woodland Walks for an Enchanting Day Out

Published On: 4 March 2025Last Updated: 3 April 2025By CornishStuff

Cornwall’s dramatic coastline may steal the spotlight, but venture inland and you’ll discover a world of ancient woodlands, hidden waterfalls, and winding trails that feel like stepping into a fairytale. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful riverside stroll, a challenging hike through dense forest, or a walk steeped in history, Cornwall’s woodlands offer something for everyone.

From moss-covered ruins and wildflower meadows to UNESCO heritage landscapes and wildlife-rich reserves, these woodland walks reveal a different side of Cornwall – one where nature and history intertwine, creating some of the most magical places to explore.

This guide showcases ten of the most enchanting woodland walks in Cornwall, giving you everything you need to plan the perfect day out – from parking and route details to hidden highlights and top tips. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a peaceful escape, these trails will leave you inspired, refreshed, and in awe of Cornwall’s natural beauty.

So, lace up your walking boots, breathe in the crisp woodland air, and get ready to explore the hidden green heart of Cornwall!

1. Tehidy Woods – Cornwall’s Largest Woodland Haven

Location: Near Camborne
Parking: Multiple free car parks
Dog-Friendly: Yes (with some restricted areas)
Café: On-site
iWalk Cornwall Route: Portreath and Tehidy Woods
Distance: 5.2 miles (8.4 km)
Difficulty: Moderate-Strenuous

Tehidy Woods, encompassing 250 acres, is the largest woodland area in West Cornwall. With over 9 miles of paths, it offers serene lakes, diverse wildlife, and a variety of trails suitable for all fitness levels. The Portreath and Tehidy Woods circular walk combines coastal scenery with woodland tranquility, providing a comprehensive experience of the area.

Highlights:

Diverse habitats supporting a variety of wildlife.
Well-marked trails suitable for families and casual walkers.
On-site café offering refreshments amidst nature.

Top Tip: Visit during spring to witness a spectacular display of bluebells carpeting the forest floor.

2. Luxulyan Valley – A Walk Through Industrial Heritage and Nature

Location: Near St Austell
Parking: Ponts Mill car park
Dog-Friendly: Yes
iWalk Cornwall Route: Luxulyan Valley Circular
Distance: 3.4 miles (5.5 km)
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate

The Luxulyan Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, blending lush woodlands with remnants of Cornwall’s industrial past. The Luxulyan Valley Circular walk takes you along historic tramways and leats, showcasing the area’s rich history amidst verdant surroundings.

Highlights:

The impressive Treffry Viaduct, a testament to 19th-century engineering.
Lush woodlands rich in flora and fauna.
Gently flowing streams enhancing the tranquil atmosphere.

Top Tip: Wear sturdy footwear, especially after rainfall, as some paths can be muddy.

3. Golitha Falls and Siblyback Lake – Waterfalls and Lakeside Serenity

Location: Near Liskeard
Parking: On-site (small charge)
Dog-Friendly: Yes
iWalk Cornwall Route: Golitha Falls and Siblyback Lake
Distance: 6.1 miles (9.8 km)
Difficulty: Moderate

This circular walk offers a blend of cascading waterfalls and serene lakeside paths. Starting at Golitha Falls, the trail winds through ancient woodlands before reaching the tranquil Siblyback Lake, providing diverse landscapes in one journey.

Highlights:

The cascading beauty of Golitha Falls.
Birdwatching opportunities around Siblyback Lake.
Rich biodiversity within the ancient woodlands.

Top Tip: Inkie’s Smokehouse, located near the car park, offers delicious BBQ treats – perfect for post-walk refueling.

4. Kennall Vale – A Hidden Gem of Ruins and Waterfalls

Location: Near Ponsanooth
Parking: Limited roadside parking
Dog-Friendly: Yes
iWalk Cornwall Route: Stithians to Kennall Vale
Distance: 6 miles (9.6 km)
Difficulty: Moderate-Strenuous

Kennall Vale is a serene woodland hiding the remnants of a 19th-century gunpowder mill. The Stithians to Kennall Vale walk takes you through this enchanting area, where nature has reclaimed industrial relics, creating a unique and tranquil environment.

Highlights:

Moss-covered ruins intertwined with nature.
Babbling streams and cascading waterfalls.
Diverse wildlife thriving in this secluded habitat.

Top Tip: Paths can be slippery, especially after rain, so wear appropriate footwear.

5. Helman Tor and Red Moor – Panoramic Views and Moorland Mystique

Location: Near Bodmin
Parking: Helman Tor car park
Dog-Friendly: Yes
iWalk Cornwall Route: Helman Tor and Red Moor
Distance: 3.2 miles (5.2 km)
Difficulty: Moderate

This walk combines the ascent of Helman Tor, offering panoramic views, with the tranquility of Red Moor’s woodlands and wetlands.

Highlights:

Breathtaking 360-degree views from the top of Helman Tor, stretching across Cornwall.
Rich history, including Bronze Age remains and medieval field systems.
Diverse ecosystems, from open heathland to dense, wildlife-rich woodland.

✨ Top Tip: Climb the tor at sunrise or sunset for spectacular lighting and fewer crowds.

6. St Nectan’s Glen – A Magical Waterfall Walk

📍 Location: Near Tintagel
🚗 Parking: At Trethevy (small fee)
🐶 Dog-Friendly: Yes
🍽 Nearby Café: On-site café with vegan options
🚶 iWalk Cornwall Route: St Nectan’s Glen and Rocky Valley
🏃 Distance: 4.5 miles (7.2 km)
⛰ Difficulty: Moderate

If you’re looking for one of Cornwall’s most mystical walks, St Nectan’s Glen is a must. The route takes you through ancient woodland, leading to a stunning 60ft waterfall cascading through a naturally-formed hole in the rocks. The area is considered a spiritual site, with visitors often leaving ribbons and offerings near the falls.

Highlights:

Stunning waterfalls surrounded by lush greenery.
Rocky Valley, an atmospheric gorge with ancient rock carvings.
A magical, fairy-tale atmosphere, especially after rainfall when the glen feels even more enchanted.

✨ Top Tip: Bring waterproof boots – some paths can be muddy, and you might want to dip your toes in the stream!

7. Cardinham Woods – Woodland Trails for All Abilities

📍 Location: Near Bodmin
🚗 Parking: On-site (pay and display)
🐶 Dog-Friendly: Yes
🍽 Nearby Café: Woods Café (highly recommended)
🚶 iWalk Cornwall Route: Cardinham Woods and Lady Vale
🏃 Distance: 4 miles (6.4 km)
⛰ Difficulty: Easy-Moderate

One of Cornwall’s most well-loved woodlands, Cardinham Woods offers a variety of walking trails, from gentle riverside paths to more adventurous hill climbs. This Forestry England site is ideal for a family day out, complete with picnic areas and a cosy café.

Highlights:

Shaded woodland trails alongside a peaceful river.
The Lady Vale Walk, an easy-going, scenic route through the valley.
Great facilities, including a café serving homemade cakes and hot food.

✨ Top Tip: Arrive early to enjoy the tranquillity of the woods before they get busy, and don’t forget to stop by the café for a well-earned treat after your walk.

8. Respryn and Lanhydrock – A Historic Estate Walk

📍 Location: Near Bodmin
🚗 Parking: National Trust car park at Respryn Bridge
🐶 Dog-Friendly: Yes
🍽 Nearby Café: Lanhydrock Café
🚶 iWalk Cornwall Route: Respryn and Lanhydrock
🏃 Distance: 4 miles (6.4 km)
⛰ Difficulty: Easy

This walk takes you through Lanhydrock Estate, one of Cornwall’s grandest country homes, owned by the National Trust. The wooded pathways along the River Fowey provide a tranquil escape, while the Victorian gardens and historic house make for an interesting stop along the way.

Highlights:

Scenic woodland paths following the River Fowey.
Rich history, including the grand Lanhydrock House.
Easily accessible trails, making it perfect for families.

✨ Top Tip: If you have time, explore Lanhydrock House to get a glimpse of aristocratic life in the 19th century.

9. King’s Wood and Pentewan Valley – A Journey Through Time and Nature

📍 Location: Near St Austell
🚗 Parking: Lay-by near King’s Wood entrance
🐶 Dog-Friendly: Yes
🍽 Nearby Café: Little Bay Café in Pentewan (homemade cakes and cream teas)
🚶 Route Details: King’s Wood and Pentewan Valley
🏃 Distance: 3.2 miles (5.2 km)
⛰ Difficulty: Easy

This circular walk takes you through the King’s Wood Woodland Trust reserve, a serene broadleaf woodland rich in wildlife and seasonal flowers. The trail follows the St Austell River, leading to the historic village of Pentewan, once a bustling port for the china clay industry. Along the way, you’ll walk along the old tramway that transported clay to the harbour, now a peaceful path surrounded by nature.

Highlights:

Lush woodland paths with abundant wildflowers in spring and summer.
Historic remnants of the horse-drawn tramway and old harbour structures.
Scenic views of the St Austell River and opportunities to spot kingfishers and other wildlife.
Pentewan Beach, a sandy stretch perfect for a relaxing break.

✨ Top Tip: After your walk, enjoy a meal at the Ship Inn in Pentewan, a traditional pub with a cosy atmosphere.

10. Helford and Frenchman’s Creek – Exploring Daphne du Maurier’s Inspiration

📍 Location: Helford Village
🚗 Parking: Helford car park (honesty box)
🐶 Dog-Friendly: Yes
🍽 Nearby Café: Holy Mackerel Café in Helford (fresh seafood and local produce)
🚶 Route Details: Helford and Frenchman’s Creek
🏃 Distance: 5 miles (8 km)
⛰ Difficulty: Moderate

This enchanting walk immerses you in the tranquil beauty of the Helford River, guiding you through ancient woodlands and along the serene waters of Frenchman’s Creek, famously immortalised by author Daphne du Maurier. The route offers a blend of shaded forest paths, open fields, and stunning creekside views, making it a favourite among nature lovers and literary enthusiasts alike.

Highlights:

Pristine woodlands with a rich diversity of flora and fauna.
Picturesque views of the Helford River and its hidden creeks.
Historic sites, including traditional Cornish cottages and ancient farmsteads.
Birdwatching opportunities, with sightings of herons, egrets, and other waterfowl.

✨ Top Tip: Carry a copy of “Frenchman’s Creek” to read by the water’s edge, experiencing the landscape that inspired the novel.

Final Thoughts

Cornwall’s woodlands are just as breathtaking as its beaches, offering a completely different but equally magical way to experience the county. Whether you’re wandering through ancient oak forests, tracing the paths of forgotten industries, or discovering hidden waterfalls, these woodland walks provide a perfect escape into nature.

Each trail has its own unique charm – Tehidy’s towering trees, Golitha’s cascading falls, Luxulyan’s industrial past, and Kennall Vale’s moss-covered ruins all offer something special. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful stroll, a wildlife-spotting adventure, or a challenging hike, Cornwall’s woodlands are waiting to be explored.

So, which woodland will you explore first? Share your experiences, tag us in your photos, and let us know your favourite trails! And if you discover a hidden gem of your own, we’d love to hear about it – Cornwall’s best-kept secrets are always worth sharing.