Easy hikes and walks around St. Day
4.6
(998)
7,938
hikers
23
hikes
Easy hiking trails around St. Day, Cornwall, traverse a landscape rich in mining heritage and natural features. The region is characterized by rolling hills, open fields, and woodlands, with remnants of historic engine houses marking its industrial past. Notable features include Carn Marth, a hill offering expansive views, and the unique natural amphitheatre of Gwennap Pit. This area provides diverse routes that combine historical interest with natural beauty.
Best easy hiking trails around St. Day
- The most popular easy hiking…
Last updated: October 17, 2026
5.0
(7)
22
hikers
3.18km
00:53
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(6)
7
hikers
6.03km
01:43
140m
140m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2.5
(4)
10
hikers
4.08km
01:06
50m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
6
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
3
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Other adventures around St. Day
Tips from the Community
The historic amphitheater is considered one of the most important historical sites of the Methodist Church worldwide. John Wesley preached there a total of 18 times from 1762-1789. Today, services are still held there. Gwennap Pit belongs to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Mining Landscape of Cornwall.
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In tin production, ore was roasted above 300°C to remove impurities such as sulphur and arsenic which otherwise made the cast tin brittle. If arsenic was desired, fumes from the calciner passed through a long flue known as a 'lambreth' or labyrinth, where the gas cooled and condensed, forming arsenic crystals on the walls. When sufficient had collected, the calciners were stopped, iron doors in the lambreth were opened, and the arsenic ‘soot’ was swept off the walls and shovelled out. Workers put wads of cotton wool in their nostrils and a cloth over their mouths. and followed strict washing regulations, but still experienced skin irritations. Some workers were believed to have developed partial immunity, and folklore suggested arsenic improved complexion and hair condition. The lambreth had a tall stack at the end to create a strong through draught and also to reduce the damage caused by the noxious fumes.
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Built in 1897, this calciner was used to roast arsenic ore - check out the date above the archway. Arsenic gas was driven off by the heat and travelled towards the stack higher up the hill and through the labyrinth, or lambreth, where it condensed on the walls. See this link for a diagram of the Brunton roasting furnace with the revolving hearth upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/af/Brunton_roasting_furnace.png
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Non-technical downhill and nearly always in great condition - no mud!
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Worth climb to the cairn for the downhill section on the main access road. Then drop into single track round the back lanes of Carharrack. Sweet! :)
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Gwennap Pit was used by the renowned cleric John Wesley to give preaches from 1762 until 1789. Its unusual form is thought to be caused to a collapsed abandoned mine dig. After Wesley's death, villagers continued to use the pit for religious gatherings, a tradition which is still on-going. Local miners cut the circular terraces to make seats at the beginning of the 19th century.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many easy hiking trails are there around St. Day?
There are 19 easy hiking trails around St. Day, offering a variety of routes through the region's unique landscape. In total, komoot lists 26 hiking tours in the area.
What kind of terrain can I expect on easy hikes around St. Day?
Easy hikes around St. Day typically feature rolling hills, open fields, and woodlands. Many trails follow old miners' tracks, providing a mix of natural paths and historical remnants. The elevation gain on these easy routes is generally moderate, making them accessible for most hikers.
Are there any easy circular walks near St. Day?
Yes, St. Day offers several easy circular walks. A popular option is the Gwennap Pit – Carn Marth Quarry Pool loop from Carharrack, which is 3.8 miles (6.0 km) long. Another local favorite is the Hiking loop from Carharrack, covering 2.5 miles (4.1 km) through woodlands and fields.
What are some notable landmarks or natural features I can see on easy trails?
Many easy trails in St. Day showcase its rich mining heritage and natural beauty. You can explore sites like Gwennap Pit, a historic natural amphitheatre, and remnants of old engine houses. Natural features include Carn Marth, offering expansive views, and Hick's Quarry Pool. You might also encounter Basset's Cove, known for its geological history, or the unique Old Mining Quarry with Red Water.
Are the easy hiking trails around St. Day suitable for families with children?
Yes, the easy hiking trails around St. Day are generally suitable for families. Routes like the Gwennap Pit – View of Carn Brea loop from Redruth are relatively short and offer interesting historical sights, making them engaging for younger hikers. Tehidy Country Park, a short drive away, also provides extensive, family-friendly woodland paths.
Can I bring my dog on easy hikes in St. Day?
Many trails in the St. Day area are dog-friendly, especially those through woodlands and open fields. It's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead, particularly around livestock or in areas with wildlife. Specific rules may apply in certain nature reserves or private lands, so check local signage.
What is the typical duration for easy walks in St. Day?
The duration for easy walks in St. Day varies depending on the route length. For example, the Gwennap Pit – View of Carn Brea loop from Redruth takes about 52 minutes, while the Gwennap Pit – Carn Marth Quarry Pool loop from Carharrack typically takes around 1 hour 43 minutes. Most easy walks can be completed within 1 to 2 hours.
Are there any viewpoints on the easy trails around St. Day?
Yes, several easy trails offer excellent viewpoints. Carn Marth, at 755 feet (230 meters), provides incredible panoramic views over the rural Cornish countryside. Trails leading to or around Carn Marth, such as the Gwennap Pit – Carn Marth Quarry Pool loop from Carharrack, are great for scenic vistas.
What do other hikers say about the easy trails in St. Day?
The easy trails in St. Day are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 50 reviews. Hikers often praise the unique blend of mining heritage and natural beauty, the well-maintained paths, and the rewarding views from spots like Carn Marth.
Are there any easy trails that explore St. Day's mining heritage?
Absolutely. St. Day is at the heart of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site. Many easy trails, including the Gwennap Pit – View of Carn Brea loop from Redruth, follow old miners' tracks and pass by historic engine houses and disused mining works, offering a journey through the region's industrial past.
Are there any easy trails near St. Day that offer woodland walks?
Yes, the region around St. Day features significant woodland areas. Tehidy Country Park, the largest woodland in West Cornwall, offers over 9 miles of easy paths. Additionally, Kennall Vale provides beautiful woodland walks alongside the River Kennall, with remnants of an old gunpowder factory adding historical interest.
Are there options for parking near the easy hiking trails?
Parking is generally available near trailheads and popular starting points for easy hikes around St. Day. Many routes, especially those starting from villages like Carharrack or Redruth, have designated parking areas or roadside parking options. Always check local signage for any restrictions.
What is the best time of year to go hiking in St. Day?
Spring and autumn are often considered the best times for hiking in St. Day. In spring, the woodlands, such as those on the Bluebell Woods Near Scorrier – Killifreth Engine House loop from Carharrack, come alive with wildflowers like bluebells. Autumn offers pleasant temperatures and beautiful foliage. Summer is also popular, but trails can be busier, and winter can be muddy but offers crisp, clear days.
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