Walking in South East Cornwall
We may be biased ......but we feel there are few finer places in the UK for walking!
First of all you have 33 miles of the South West Coast Path stretching from Fowey, through Looe, to Cremyll, ever changing scenery, hidden coves to visit and plenty of villages along the way for that lunchtime pasty or ice cream before tackling the next stretch. Most stretches are covered by regular bus services so you don't even have to walk back.
Inland from the coast there are plenty of wooded valleys to explore, some dating back to the Domesday Book. Both the Looe Valley and the Tamar Valley are accessible by train, and walks packs describing walks from the stations are availiable in TICs or online.
Looe itself is a great centre for walkers. As well as the South West Coast Path you can head inland into Kilminorth Woods at the entrance to the West Looe valley, here you leave the crowds behind and escape into a landscape of green. Ancient oak woodland, dripping in lichen and moss, drops down to the river, a haven for birds ranging in size from kingfishers to herons. The Giants Hedge, an ancient earthwork, runs through the woods and its route can be followed on one of three waymarked walks that emerge at the hamlet of Watergate. From here the valley can be followed further, past Holy wells and mediaeval bridges to the once busy mining village of Herodsfoot, now silent and peaceful. Other walks in the same area which use the Looe Valley Railway line to access them can be downloaded at Trails from the Track.
Bodmin Moor to the north of the region provides the keen walker with a chance to escape byways and highways and head out onto open moorland. Step back in time through 6000 years of history or just marvel at the rock formations. For more information and walking books about Bodmin Moor click here.
Looe Tourist Information Centre stocks a great selection of books and maps to help you enjoy walking in the area. Many can be ordered over the phone on 01503 262072, these include..
| OS Explorer maps | £7.99 |
| OS Landranger maps | £6.99 |
| Harvey's South West Coast Path Waterproof Map | £10.95 |
| Shortish walks Truro to Looe | £3.99 |
| South West Coast Path, Falmouth to Exmouth | £12.99 |
| South West Coast Path Assoc Yearbook 2012 | POA |
| Six Walks on Bodmin Moor (Vol 1,2 & 3) | £2.95 |
Prices correct October 2011 (not including postage and packing)
South East Cornwall Walking Festival 2012 September 15th - 23th
