Through Cardinham Woods

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Our view

"A long woodland walk in quiet countryside between Bodmin town and Bodmin Moor."

Walk directions

From the Cardinham Woods car park, cross the wooden bridge over Cardinham Water and pass the cafe and play area. Bear right, then right again through a wooden barrier to a three-way junction. Keep to the right and follow a broad forestry track through the woods with Cardinham Water to your right. Ignore a sign left to the Liddicoat Valley Walk.

Where a track comes in from the left, bear slightly right to cross a tributary stream (just before Lady Vale Bridge) and turn left up a track marked by a guide post that mentions various woodland walks. Soon you'll pass picnic tables by a little rock face on a bend.

Just before a bridge turn off right at a junction. In a few paces, ignore a turning right for the Bodmin Beast bike trail and keep straight ahead along a grassy track through Lidcutt Wood. Go over a stile and on through woods.

Emerge into a field and bear half right; the right of way heads straight across the field aiming for a wooden gate onto a concrete track. Turn left and follow the track to a public road. Turn right along the road and follow it over the brow of the hill and down into the valley.

Pass a lane junction and keep ahead downhill to cross a river, then go off right at a public footpath sign. Go over a stile and cross a little ditch. Head diagonally up the field, aiming to the right of St Meubred’s church tower, to cross a stile. Go along a grassy ride beside the church. Turn right at the road.

At a public footpath sign opposite a cemetery, go right and through a gate into a field. Aim for a guidepost in the middle of the field and carry on, following a faint track, keeping to the left of a tree. Go through two metal gates and keep alongside the hedge on the right. At a stile, where the track bends round right, bear off left and head downhill between trees to cross a meadow to a stile. This is the line of the right of way.

Bear diagonally left across the next field to a wooden gate. Keep ahead to a bridge over a stream, then follow a path through the trees. Go through a wooden gate and reach a T-junction with a lane at Milltown. Turn right here, down the lane and keep left at a junction. Pass Milltown Farm, and keep ahead to reach a wooden barrier. Go up a slope, then turn right at a junction with a forestry track.

Follow the track to reach the track junction at Lady Vale Bridge, beside which the Old Clapper Bridge still stands. Keep straight ahead alongside the river to pass Lost in the Woods Lodge and return to the car park.

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Location

Nearest postcode:

Additional information

Terrain - Generally clear woodland tracks and field sections; several stiles

Landscape - Deep woodland of deciduous and conifer trees, quiet meadows

Dog friendliness - Dogs on lead through fields and under control in Cardinham Woods

Parking - Cardinham Woods car park

Toilets en route - At car park

Walks in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Dog-friendly walks in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly

About the walk

Cardinham Woods lie east of Bodmin town, in the serene countryside drained by Cardinham Water and its tributaries. The 650 acres (263ha) that make up the combined Deviock, Hurtstocks, Callywith and Tawnamoor Woods of Cardinham have been in the hands of the Forestry Commission since 1922. The...

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Been on this walk?

Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.

Find out more

Walking in Safety

Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.

Learn more

Get an AA guide

Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.

Learn more

About the area

Cornwall has just about everything – wild moorland landscapes, glorious river valley scenery, picturesque villages and miles of breathtaking coastline. Known for its popular surfing spots, the region provides ample opportunities for water sport enthusiasts, and for those who prefer to stay on land, visitor attractions like the Eden Project and the Lost Gardens of Heligan offer a lovely day out.