The best walks and hikes around Perranarworthal

Yes, the area offers several gentle walks suitable for families. A great option is the Water Lily Pond – Penponds Viaduct loop from Bissoe, which is a relatively short and flat trail. For a pleasant walk with great views over the River Fal, the nearby Trelissick Garden (National Trust) also has accessible woodland paths that are perfect for a family outing.

The walks in Kennall Vale Nature Reserve are truly atmospheric, taking you through a 20-acre woodland managed by the Cornwall Wildlife Trust. Trails follow the fast-flowing River Kennall past the ivy-covered ruins of a historic gunpowder works. The paths can be steep and narrow in places, winding through a lush landscape of mosses and ferns, making it a magical experience for hikers.

Many trails in the Perranarworthal area are dog-friendly, but it's always best to keep them on a lead, especially near farmland or in nature reserves with sensitive wildlife. The trails within Kennall Vale Nature Reserve are popular with dog walkers, offering a shaded and exciting environment for them to explore.

Absolutely. The region is well-suited for circular hikes, meaning you can start and end in the same place without retracing your steps. For an easy loop, consider the Loe Beach loop from Feock, which offers lovely waterside sections. Many other circular routes explore the surrounding creeks and woodlands.

The scenery is a unique blend of natural beauty and industrial heritage. You can expect to hike through enchanting woodlands, along tranquil rivers like the Fal and Kennall, and across landscapes dotted with the historic remains of Cornwall's mining past. Hikes often feature panoramic views from gentle hills and atmospheric paths through valleys with old granite mills.

Yes, many routes delve into the region's rich mining heritage. A fantastic example is the Wheal Maid Valley Tailings Dam – Old Mining Chimney and Ruins loop from Bissoe. This trail takes you directly through a landscape shaped by mining, featuring old engine houses, chimneys, and other fascinating industrial ruins.

There is a vast network of trails to explore, with over 400 routes mapped on komoot around Perranarworthal. This includes everything from short, easy strolls to more challenging all-day hikes, ensuring there's a path for every ability level.

The hiking routes in this area are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars. Hikers often praise the unique combination of woodland scenery, riverside paths, and the fascinating industrial heritage scattered throughout the landscape.

The area is excellent for waterside walks. You can explore trails along Penpol Creek or enjoy the stunning views over the River Fal from the paths around Trelissick Garden. The walk through Kennall Vale Nature Reserve also closely follows the River Kennall, offering a beautiful riverine environment.

A highlight for many is the Kennall Vale Nature Reserve, a highly-rated spot known for its beautiful woodland and historic gunpowder mill ruins. For a different experience, Devichoys Wood Nature Reserve is another lovely woodland walk, though it is known to be a quieter option with very limited parking.

The terrain is varied but generally manageable. Most trails involve gentle hills, woodland paths, and country lanes. While some paths, particularly in areas like Kennall Vale, can be narrow, steep, and uneven, the majority of routes are rated as easy or moderate. There are over 120 moderate hikes and very few designated as difficult.