Imerys Updates Clay Trails Leaflet With 21 Miles of New Paths

An updated footpath leaflet for the Clay Trails in mid Cornwall is being launched for 2026, with 21 miles of new permissive pathways added following ongoing land restoration work by Imerys.

The new routes increase the total length of permissive paths managed by Imerys to 38 miles. The company says the additional mileage was added during 2025, with a further five miles planned over the next couple of years.

New access around the clay villages

The updated leaflet covers three areas. These are the Blackpool Trail, the route from St Stephen to Indian Queens, and the Clay Trails.

The Clay Trails were first opened in 2005. Six miles of the network are now located on Imerys land, giving people access through landscapes shaped by both historic and modern china clay mining.

The routes pass through what is often known as the Cornish Alps, an area described as having dramatic scenery and a wide range of plant and animal life.

Who can use the trails

According to Imerys, most of the trails are mixed use and can be used by walkers, cyclists and horse riders. Some routes are footpaths only and are intended for walkers.

People are advised to check the new leaflet before setting off to make sure they are using the correct paths.

Safety reminder from Imerys

Mark Hewson, who leads Imerys in the UK, said access to land which is no longer actively mined is important to people living nearby, while safety remains a key concern.

Mark said:
“We know that access to land which is no longer actively mined is important to local people and we have been working hard to increase this access safely alongside operational kaolin pits and processing sites.

“We’re proud to say that we now manage in total 38 miles of permissive paths, with 21 miles added in 2025 and another 5 miles to come over the next couple of years!

“The trails are mixed use they can be used by walkers, cyclists or horse riders, except in a few cases and footpaths are for walkers only. So we advise people to check this new leaflet before they set off.

“We also respectfully ask people not to stray from the paths and trails, as trespassing can be extremely dangerous, due to the presence of active mining alongside these areas.”

Where to find the leaflet

The updated leaflet is available online and can be viewed by clicking here.

Paper copies are also available from the Imerys head office on Par Moor Road. Anyone wanting printed versions can email imlcomms@imerys.com to request copies.