
Cardinham Wood is a beautiful mixed woodland of 650 acres with 4 waymarked trails plus numerous tracks to explore.
Cyclists, walkers, horse riders and dog walkers are welcome. With the exception of bridleways, horse riders should obtain a permit to ride here by contacting the District Office on 01392 832262 for an application form.
The trails, which are graded from easy to strenuous, provide access for all abilities, taking you deep into the woods to enjoy the trees, plant-life, bird-life and history of the area with mining heritage, rambling streams and panoramic viewpoints.
Buzzards, kingfishers and dippers can be seen and listen out for deer.
Cyclists can use the forest roads to create their own routes through the woods but please show consideration for other forest users and slow down for walkers and horses.
Dog walkers are asked to clean up after their pets and keep them under control in the busy main visitor areas.
Near the car park are BBQs which are free to use and a large picnic area near the river.
For younger children there is a Play Area.
Toilets.
Refreshments available from Woods Cafe.
Lady Vale Walk
3 km (45 mins). Easy.
This is an easy-access route. It can be enjoyed with wheelchairs or pushchairs. The track follows the river upstream to Lady Vale Bridge, which takes its name from The Chapel of Our Lady that stood beside the river during the 12th century.
Lidcutt Valley Walk
51/2 km (11/2 – 2 hrs). Moderate.
This is a long loop leading off the Lady Vale walk for those who wish to stretch their legs. There is one steep section as you climb up the valley side, but you are rewarded by views over the forest and a well deserved rest at the Scots Pine picnic area.
Wheal Glynn Walk
11/2 km (45 mins). Short and strenuous.
This is a short loop starting from Lady Vale Bridge leading up to the old lead and silver mine of Wheal Glynn. The old engine house and chimney can still be seen amongst the trees. As you walk through some of the tallest trees in Cardinham Woods the ascent is steep, but the reward is a leisurely descent with wonderful views out over the forest.
Callywith Wood Walk
4 km (1 – 11/2 hrs). Moderate.
This is a stroll on a good track with gradual slopes that skirts the Callywith Wood Wildlife Research Area. Within this special area a long term research project to help conserve the Dormouse is being carried out. About halfway round the walk there is a viewpoint where you can see up the valley of Cardinham Water to its source on Bodmin Moor.
Easy access for people with disabilities, toilets, refreshments, parking charge £2 all day. Regular visitors save money with a Discovery Pass. www.forestry.gov.uk/pass
Regular seasonal events in Cardinham Woods include a Hallowe'en Trail and Easter Trail, plus wildlife events throughout the year.
Directions
From Bodmin take the A38 towards Liskeard. 400 metres beyond the Carminnow Cross roundabout follow the brown tourist signs left and then left again into Cardinham Woods.
OS Grid Reference: SX100667
Contact Forestry Commission England Bullers Hill, Kennford, Exeter, EX6 7XR T: 01392 832262
Cardinham Woods leaflet
Cornwall Office 01208 72577
E-mail: enquiries.peninsula@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
For more details please visit www.forestry.gov.uk
Books online:
Click here to buy books online about Cardinham Woods
Places of interest in or around Cardinham WoodsTowns, villages and other locations |
Cornish phrases and place names |
Topical phrases of the month October: 'Festival Phrases'
Place Name of the Month October: Karrekreun – Cargreen

|
Cardinham Woods Map |
|
Cardinham Woods Events |
|
Cardinham Woods Community Information |
|
Cardinham Woods Books |
|
Cardinham Woods Photos |
|
Cardinham Woods Videos |
|
Cardinham Woods History |
Things to do
in this area

|
|
© AWMP Creative Media, all rights reserved, modifications by Choughmountain Design