Cardinham Woods

The favourite family route — follow Cardinham Water upstream to Lady Vale Bridge under dappled shade. Gruffalo sculptures on this trail.

• Distance2.75 km (1.7 miles) · shortcut 1.45 km
• Time45–60 min
• TerrainFully surfaced · wide · mostly flat
• HillsOne short gentle slope on the return (avoid via Centenary Bridge)
• Water / crossingsRiverside throughout · several dog-dip spots · no road crossings
• AccessPushchair & wheelchair friendly · Tramper suitable · benches along the way

Pleasant stream then a gradual climb to a valley viewpoint — great for autumn colour.

• Distance4.3 km (2.7 miles)
• Time1–1½ hours
• TerrainForest tracks · well surfaced
• HillsGradual climb past older conifers · steady descent back
• Water / crossingsFollows a stream then climbs the valley side · no fords
• AccessTramper suitable · viewpoint halfway round

Along Lady Vale to the bridge, then uphill to the Scots pine picnic spot and views before dropping back.

• Distance4.8 km (3 miles)
• Time1¼–1¾ hours
• TerrainSmooth and loose surfaces mixed
• HillsModerate slopes up to the Scots pine picnic area
• Water / crossingsShares Lady Vale riverside then climbs · no river fords
• AccessTramper suitable · seating halfway

Steeper loop to the ruins of Wheal Glynn Mine (silver & lead until 1859), then zig-zag back to the riverside.

• Distance4.6 km (2.8 miles)
• Time1½–2 hours
• TerrainForest paths · steeper sections
• HillsSteep climb to the old silver/lead mine · zig-zag descent
• Water / crossingsSplits from Lady Vale · no water crossings on the climb
• AccessNot Tramper suitable · look for engine house & chimney through the trees

Longest trail — gentle climb to the forest edge for views, wildlife and spring bluebells, returning via the Scots pine picnic area.

• Distance7 km (4.3 miles) · shortcut 5.8 km
• Time2–2½ hours
• TerrainTracks · some uneven / loose sections
• HillsGentle climb to the outer forest edge · best chance of deer
• Water / crossingsForest tracks · no major fords
• AccessNot Tramper suitable · bluebells in May