Five Peaceful Walks in Cornwall to Enjoy Autumn Colours

A warmer summer this year is set to make Cornwall’s autumn colours more striking than usual, with vibrant oranges and golds expected to appear in the coming weeks.

Cornwall static caravan sales provider Away Resorts has highlighted five of the most underrated woodland walks in the county, offering peaceful escapes from the busier tourist trails.

Kate Watts, spokesperson for Away Resorts, said:
“Autumn is the perfect time to start spotting the changing of the leaves, and this year, after our hot summer, the transformation promises to be especially vibrant. It’s the ideal opportunity to immerse yourself in Cornwall’s natural beauty, far from the busy tourist spots. Take the time to explore the quiet woodlands and gardens, where you can truly enjoy the stunning colours of the season in peace and quiet.”

Golitha Falls

Near Liskeard, Golitha Falls is a woodland gem along the River Fowey. Ancient oak and mixed ash trees line the trails, their autumn leaves creating a dramatic backdrop against the flowing river.

👉 Walk it with iWalkCornwall: Golitha Falls and Siblyback circular walk (6.1 miles / 9.8 km). This route passes through the Golitha Falls National Nature Reserve, along ancient rights of way to Siblyback Lake, where a medieval field system can sometimes be seen when water levels are low.

Highlights: woodland and riverside scenery, panoramic views of the lake and hills, and a 3-mile lakeside path.
Considerations: uneven riverside paths with boulders and roots (slippery after rain), two high stone stile crossings, and grazing livestock on fields.
Dogs: leads required around Siblyback Lake; some stiles may need assistance.
Vital statistics: Steepness grade: Easy-moderate. OS Explorer: 109. Recommended footwear: walking boots, waterproof boots or wellies in winter.
Facilities: On-site café.

Pencarrow House and Garden

Close to Bodmin, Pencarrow House and Garden offers a mix of oak, beech, and the striking Caucasian Wingnut tree. Its gardens are filled with seasonal flowers and wildlife, making it a perfect spot for an autumn stroll.

👉 Walk it with iWalkCornwall: St Mabyn to Pencarrow circular walk (3.7 miles / 5.9 km). Starting from St Mabyn, the route passes the village church and continues through rolling countryside to reach the estate and its gardens.

Highlights: local food and ales at the 17th-century St Mabyn Inn, stained glass windows in St Mabyn church, countryside views, the house with Georgian and Victorian interiors, and extensive gardens. Seasonal displays include snowdrops, wild garlic, and bluebells in the surrounding woodland. Haywood Farm, known for cider making, is nearby.
Considerations: stepping stones can become submerged after prolonged heavy rain, making wellies a good option in wet weather.
Dogs: some high stiles mean smaller or less athletic dogs may need lifting. Fields with livestock are also part of the route.
Vital statistics: Steepness grade: Easy-moderate. OS Explorer: 109. Recommended footwear: walking boots.
Facilities: Pub and café available.

Kilminorth Woods

Nestled near Looe, Kilminorth Woods is an ancient woodland with a calm, family-friendly atmosphere. Broadleaf trees such as ash, beech, and sessile oak put on a colourful display, with the River Looe winding through the walk.

👉 Walk it with iWalkCornwall: Kilminorth Woods and the Giant’s Hedge walk (3.1 miles / 4.9 km). This woodland route follows the West Looe River and passes the historic Giant’s Hedge, which once divided Dark Age kingdoms.

Highlights: sightings of river wildlife including herons, egrets, and kingfishers, mature woodland with squirrels and chestnuts, scenic views over the West Looe River, and the 6th-century Giant’s Hedge.
Considerations: woodland paths may be slippery after rain.
Dogs: one stile on the route, but it is next to a usually open gate with a gap beside it. No livestock fields are included.
Vital statistics: Steepness grade: Moderate. OS Explorer: 107. Distance: 3.1 miles / 4.9 km. Recommended footwear: walking boots.

Tresillian Woods

Just outside Truro, Tresillian Woods provides a quieter alternative to some of Cornwall’s more famous walking spots. With oak, hazel, and ash trees transforming at the start of autumn, it’s a serene place for a peaceful stroll.

👉 Walk it with iWalkCornwall: St Clement and Malpas circular walk (3.8 miles / 6.1 km). This route explores the confluence of the Truro and Tresillian rivers, once defended by Moresk Castle, and later an unloading point for mine timber floated into Truro.

Highlights: creekside views including over Truro, sightings of wading birds such as curlews, and St Clement’s medieval church with its inscribed Celtic stone and nearby holy well.
Dogs: three fields on the route are sometimes grazed by cattle. All stiles have dog gates, though the first steps down to Sunny Corner are steel mesh, which some dogs may find difficult.
Vital statistics: Steepness grade: Easy-moderate. OS Explorer: 105. Distance: 3.8 miles / 6.1 km. Recommended footwear: walking boots in drier weather, wellies in winter due to mud.
Facilities: Pub and café available.

Trebah Garden

Near Falmouth, Trebah Garden combines sub-tropical gardens with expansive woodlands. Oaks, maples, and other deciduous trees create a vivid display of colour as autumn takes hold.

👉 Walk it with iWalkCornwall: Helford Passage circular walk (6.3 miles / 10.1 km). This route follows the Helford River, where the mild climate and south-facing slopes allow subtropical plants collected during Victorian expeditions to thrive in the gardens of both Trebah and Glendurgan.

Highlights: panoramic views over the Helford River, access to Trebah and Glendurgan gardens, beaches at Durgan and Helford Passage, and a café at Glendurgan open to non-members without admission.
Considerations: several stiles include stone footholds, with one particularly high. As with many Cornish coastal walks, some paths run close to unfenced cliffs.
Dogs: dog-friendly beaches include Durgan and Grebe Beach. Helford Passage has seasonal dog restrictions. Four stiles are on the route, with one drop requiring assistance for heavier or less athletic dogs.
Vital statistics: Steepness grade: Moderate. OS Explorer: 103. Distance: 6.3 miles / 10.1 km. Recommended footwear: walking boots.
Facilities: Pub and café available.

Whether it’s the tumbling riverside paths at Golitha, the rolling countryside around Pencarrow, the ancient woodland of Kilminorth, the quiet creeks near Tresillian, or the subtropical gardens at Trebah, these walks show off Cornwall’s autumn colours at their best. With the added detail from iWalkCornwall, it’s never been easier to explore these underrated spots and enjoy the season’s vibrant transformation in full.