The best walks and hikes around St. Day

The hiking around St. Day is unique, taking you through a landscape shaped by its rich mining history, which is part of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape UNESCO World Heritage Site. Expect to see rolling hills dotted with the dramatic ruins of old engine houses and chimneys. The trails often follow historic miners' tracks, passing through a mix of open countryside and woodlands.

Yes, circular walks are very common in the St. Day area. Many routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same place without retracing your steps. These trails are perfect for exploring the historic mining ruins and natural scenery, such as the area around Gwennap Pit and Carn Marth.

Definitely. The area has numerous easy trails suitable for families. A great option is the Gwennap Pit – View of Carn Brea loop from Redruth, which is a short walk of about 3 km. For a full day out, Tehidy Country Park, a short drive away, is the largest woodland in West Cornwall and offers over nine miles of paths, lakes, and a café.

Most trails in the countryside around St. Day are suitable for dogs, but it's always best to keep them on a lead, especially near farmland or historical sites. The open spaces and woodland paths are great for exercising with your pet. For a dedicated dog-friendly walk, Kennall Vale nature reserve is a popular choice, with its fascinating industrial ruins set within a beautiful woodland.

For the best panoramic views, a hike up Carn Marth is essential. From its summit, you can see across Cornwall from the north to the south coast on a clear day. The hill itself features a disused granite quarry that has been transformed into an open-air theatre, adding to its unique character.

The trails are steeped in history. You will constantly encounter remnants of the 19th-century copper mining boom. Key sites include the iconic engine houses and chimneys that define the skyline, the old miners' tracks you'll be walking on, and the famous Gwennap Pit, a large open-air amphitheater with a fascinating history as a preaching spot for John Wesley.

Yes, while the area is known for its accessible trails, there are more demanding options. For a long and challenging day of hiking, consider the Water Lily Pond – Penponds Viaduct loop from St Day. This route covers nearly 30 km and involves significant elevation, offering a thorough exploration of the wider region.

The trails are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.5 stars. Hikers often praise the unique blend of industrial heritage and natural beauty, the well-marked paths, and the stunning views from high points like Carn Marth.

There is a great variety of routes to explore. You can find nearly 30 different hiking trails around St. Day on komoot, ranging from short, easy strolls to more strenuous all-day hikes, ensuring there's a walk for every ability level.

Yes, woodlands cover a significant portion of the region. A fantastic woodland walk is through Kennall Vale, a nature reserve where the ruins of an old gunpowder factory are scattered among the trees along the River Kennall. Tehidy Country Park also offers extensive woodland paths perfect for a peaceful walk.

Hiking here is rewarding year-round. Spring brings vibrant wildflowers and bluebells in the woodlands. Summer offers long, sunny days perfect for tackling longer routes. Autumn provides beautiful colours across the landscape, while winter walks have their own appeal with the stark beauty of the engine houses against dramatic skies.

A great choice for a moderate hike is the Old Mining Chimney and Ruins – Wheal Maid Valley Tailings Dam loop from St Day. This 8 km route takes you past several historic mining structures and offers a fantastic perspective on the industrial landscape of the Wheal Maid Valley.