With Autumn officially here and the trees changing colours, now is the time to explore our woodlands! But, being known more for the beautiful beaches and incredible coastline, I'm sure some were wondering which woodlands are the best to go to in Cornwall?
Here's a list of our top five favourite woodland walks in Cornwall, how to get there and what you need to know! And they're all dog friendly too!
1) Kennall Vale
Located just outside of Falmouth on the banks of a fast flowing river sits the ruins of this old gun powder factory! An enjoyable and relatively easy walk takes you through the Cornwall Wildlife Trust's nature reserve, whilst thick tree top canopies protect you from the rain.
Getting there: Driving between Falmouth and Truro on the A39, at the Treluswell Roundabout, take the exit signposted for Redruth and Ponsanooth on the A393. Follow this road and into Ponsanooth and take a left turn at the village stores on to Park Road. On your left, you should see a road called Kennall Vale just after the speed limit goes from 20mph to 30mph. You can park here (postcode TR3 7HG) and continue walking the rest of the way up the hill. After passing the white Kennall House/Lodge, a path leads besides the next house on the right a little further up.
2) St Nectan's Glen
An outstandingly beautiful place in North Cornwall where piskies play and birds sing from dawn till dusk! After walking through the ancient woodland, you can enjoy a sit down at their fantastic little cafe, as the walk can take up to an hour. The entrance fee to the woodlands is free, but to see the waterfall is £5.95 per adult (and well worth it!)
Getting there: Driving between Tintagel and Boscastle on the B3263, just off the road in the village of Trethevy is a free car park right by the bus stop. Postcode PL34 0BE. On the other side of the road opposite the bus stop is a footpath that takes between half an hour and an hour to walk.
3) Luxulyan Valley
With more ruins to explore, an old waterwheel pit to investigate and a huge viaduct to stand in awe of, this is more than just a woodland walk. However, it's probably worth me admitting that it can be quite easy to get lost – and unsettling in the dark!
Getting there: Driving between Bodmin and Victoria on the A30, take the St Austell exit on the A391. At the town of Lockengate, take a left turn signposted to Luxulyan and continue for roughly 2.5 miles. In the town of Luxulyan, bear left when the road veers to the right which should take you past the school, church and post office. Continue until you leave Luxulyan, cross over a bridge and turn right just after. Continue until there is a fork in the road and the carpark is is dead ahead with the footpaths starting right from the carpark. Postcode PL24 2RZ.
4) Golitha Falls
Here, another fast flowing river cuts it's way through the ancient woodland and it's impressive array of plant life. Make a day of it and enjoy some of the other points of interest on Bodmin Moor.
Getting there: Driving between Bodmin and Liskeard on the A38, at the town of Doublebois, take the turn off signposted for St Cleer, Common Moor and Minions. Continue up this road for roughly 3 miles and then take a left turn signposted for Draynes, Bolventor and Golitha Falls, followed by another left turn over a bridge and the carpark will be on your right. Postcode PL14 5ED.
5) Tehidy Woods
Located near Camborne, this country park is home to a lake, a cafe and over nine miles of footpath. Why not see how many squirrels you can spot, or go in spring to see an incredible carpet of bluebells!
Getting there: There are a few different carparks and entrances to Tehidy Woods, including one super easy to spot between Godrevy and Portreath on B3301 by North Cliffs. A carpark a bit closer to the lake and cafe is known as the South Drive carpark. From the A30, take the turnoff that signposted Pool, Camborne and Portreath, and then follow signs to Portreath, Tehidy and Tolvaddon on the A3047. Head through in Tolvaddon by going straight over at the first mini roundabout and left at the second on to Mount Whistle Road, followed by a right turn signposted for Tehidy Country Park with the carpark coming up on the left. Postcode TR14 0EZ.
What's your favourite place in Cornwall? Leave a comment below to let us know!