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Winter in Cornwall is a wonderful experience, with the crisp weather and breathtaking landscapes creating a whole different experience altogether from the summer months.
You’re never far from plenty of magnificent woodland walks in Cornwall, where breathtaking surroundings will encourage you to get out and about to take in that all-important fresh air! In summer, the walks tend to be full of people, but in winter, the wooded trails are more tranquil – perfect for serious ramblers or casual walkers looking to recharge.
It’s extremely hard to choose the best walks in Cornwall, as there are so many, be we’ve picked eight winter walks to inspire you to embark on an unforgettable adventure.
1. Kennall Vale
Located between Redruth and Penryn, Kennall Vale was once an industrial site. Now a woodland nature reserve, spreading around the River Kennall, you can still see the granite remains of an old gunpowder factory.
Kennall Vale is dense woodland, where you can escape from modern times and walk in tranquillity. Accompanied by the sound of beautiful birdsong and softly splashing streams, you can explore the ruins of the old factory buildings that are covered by ferns, moss and other plants.
A popular destination to take some atmospheric photographs, the walk will take about 90 minutes.
2. Golitha Falls
Located in Draynes Wood, near Liskeard, Golitha Falls is a popular visitor destination, where stunning waterfalls on the River Fowey flow through historic woodland.
The six-mile walk has some fair to moderate slopes, but it’s well worth the effort to see the breathtaking cascades of water, some of which follow a 90-metre drop.
This ancient woodland was first recorded in 1086 in the Domesday Book. While you are there, keep a look out for otters, salmon and sea trout in the River Fowey.
3. Coosebean Woodland, Truro
The magical Coosebean Woodland Enchanted Trail, in Truro, is loved by children and adults alike. It is maintained by Truro City Council’s Countryside Ranger, helped by volunteers and craftspeople.
Look out for fairy houses in the woods, painted stones, shells and secret messages on the trail, which takes visitors along the River Kenwyn, near Victoria Gardens. The dog-friendly walk is an ideal place to hike with the kids, as it’s just one mile long.
4. Trelissick trail
Promising miles of unspoilt landscapes, you should definitely take a leisurely stroll along the historic Trelissick trail, which takes around two hours. Passing the picturesque oak-lined creek, other attractions include an ancient timber-framed bridge and an 18th century Roundwood quay.
The area is teeming with wildlife and is ideal for nature lovers of all ages who enjoy a gentle walk. Oh, and it’s particularly beautiful on a crisp winter’s day!
5. Cardinham Woods
Take a walk along the edge of Bodmin Moor through Cardinham Woods, where dogs are welcome. It is renowned as one of Cornwall’s most beautiful locations for a winter wildlife walk.
You’ll find four hiking trails through the depths of the woods, on which you can spend hours if, like me, you enjoy a mini outdoor adventure!
6. Unity Woods
Suitable for walking or running, this two-mile circular trail, near Redruth, takes around 55 minutes to complete (when walking) and is generally considered an easy hike. In winter, you’re not going to encounter many other walkers, so you can almost count on total peace and quiet.
In years gone by, there were many mines in this area, including copper mines that were active during the Industrial Revolution. You can still see the Hawke’s Shaft engine house on the trail, with its chimney still standing.
7. The Camel Trail
One of Cornwall’s longer walks, the Camel Trail spans almost 18 miles from Wenford Bridge to Padstow. It used to be a railway route for the Boddington and Wadebridge Railway and the North Cornwall Railway.
Today, it has been reshaped into a multi-use trail through some beautiful scenery. Walkers, joggers and cyclists can enjoy the winter wonderland, where you will find plenty of places to stop and simply enjoy your surroundings.
8. Tehidy Country Park
Explore more than nine miles of woodland paths in the 250-acre Tehidy Country Park and woods. A peaceful winter adventure, where visitors can stroll through leafy glades, there is also a picnic area and cafe, so it’s a great adventure for adults and kids.
If it’s a mild day, you can always take a flask of soup and rest for a while, surrounded by beautiful flora and fauna.
Improve your mental health
Improve your mental health by taking a woodland walk through some of Britain’s most beautiful landscapes.
We all know walking is good for our physical health: just 30 minutes’ outdoor hiking each day can increase cardiovascular fitness, reduce body fat and boost muscle tone. It can also enhance our emotional wellbeing.
Just one short burst of even ten minutes’ brisk walking will improve mental alertness, giving us more energy and creating a more positive mindset. This in turn will increase self-esteem, help to reduce anxiety and stress, and clear your mind, according to the Mental Health Foundation.
End the day by going back to a luxury caravan at Globe Vale holiday park in Redruth, where you can truly immerse yourself in the most idyllic setting, that promises unspoilt views over the glorious Cornish countryside and all the trappings that go with it: it’s simply heaven. You can taste the fresh air!
Luxury caravan holidays in Cornwall can be enjoyed all year round.
