Cardinham Woods, Cornwall
🛰️ Aerial view

Inland walk

Cardinham Woods

Bodmin, Cornwall

Distance 2.9–7 km waymarked trails
Time 45 min – 2½ hours
Difficulty Easy to moderate–hard
Type Inland
Terrain Forest tracks & riverside paths · mostly well surfaced
Hills Lady Vale is nearly flat; Lidcutt, Callywith & Deviock have gradual climbs; Wheal Glynn has steep zig-zags
Dogs Welcome · keep in sight · water & dog wash by toilets · farmland borders the woods
Parking Forestry England main car park (P&D) · PL30 4AL
Best for Families · dogs · pushchairs (Lady Vale) · bluebells in May

Where to stay near Bodmin ↗

About Cardinham Woods

Cardinham Woods is a walk in Bodmin where visitors can explore Forestry England trails through mixed woodland. The site sits within a working forest, so the paths change with the seasons and the light moves through the trees. Also, the ground underfoot varies from firm gravel to soft earth, so good shoes help. Because the trails start from one central point, walkers can choose a short loop or a longer route. Nearby, the town of Bodmin is close enough for a warm drink or a look around before heading home.

What a visit to Cardinham Woods feels like

A visit to Cardinham Woods begins with the sound of leaves and running water. The woodland holds many types of trees, including tall conifers and broadleaved species, so the air feels cool even on warm days. Walkers often pause where the path crosses small streams, and children like to look for sticks and stones along the edges. The trails are waymarked, so it is easy to follow the routes without a map. Also, because the paths are wide in places, pushchairs and less confident walkers can manage some sections. Then, as the route climbs slightly, the view opens across the valley and the town beyond.

How Cardinham Woods fits into a day near Bodmin

Cardinham Woods works well as a morning or afternoon stop on a day around Bodmin. Walkers can start with a short loop, then drive into the town for a look at the local shops and streets. Because the woods are close to the edge of Bodmin, the journey between the two takes only a short time. Also, the woodland paths give a good contrast to a day spent in the busier town centre. Then, after a rest, visitors can return for one more trail or simply sit and listen to the birds. The pace at Cardinham Woods is gentle, so it suits a relaxed day out.

Explore Bodmin, or discover Cornish towns and villages.

Allow about 45 min – 2½ hours for a steady pace, and longer if you plan to stop for photos or a café.

Terrain: Forest tracks & riverside paths · mostly well surfaced.

Hills and gradients: Lady Vale is nearly flat; Lidcutt, Callywith & Deviock have gradual climbs; Wheal Glynn has steep zig-zags.

Best for: Families · dogs · pushchairs (Lady Vale) · bluebells in May.

Parking: Forestry England main car park (P&D) · PL30 4AL.

Dogs: Welcome · keep in sight · water & dog wash by toilets · farmland borders the woods.

Local tip: Download the Forestry England walking map before you go. Trails are waymarked from the car park. Mobility scooter (Tramper) hire available for Lady Vale, Callywith and Lidcutt — pre-book. Café on site.

Official trail info ↗ PDF guide ↗

Waymarked trails at Cardinham Woods

Pick a trail by name: distance, time, hills and surface for each waymarked circuit. All start from the main car park. Official walking map (PDF) ↗

Lady Vale Walk

Easy

Easy-access loop along Cardinham Water to Lady Vale Bridge under dappled shade. Gruffalo sculptures on this trail.

  • Distance2.9 km (1.8 miles)
  • 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

Callywith Wood Walk

Easy–moderate

Western loop skirting the Wildlife Research Area, with a valley viewpoint halfway.

  • Distance4.7 km (2.9 miles)
  • Time1–1½ hours
  • TerrainForest tracks · well surfaced
  • HillsGradual slopes past older conifers · steady descent back
  • Water / crossingsSkirts Callywith Stream · no fords
  • AccessTramper suitable · viewpoint halfway round

Wheal Glynn Walk

Moderate–hard

Steep loop from Lady Vale Bridge to the ruins of Wheal Glynn Mine (silver & lead until 1859).

  • 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 Bridge · no water crossings on the climb
  • AccessNot Tramper suitable · look for engine house & chimney through the trees

Lidcutt Loop

Moderate

Loop from Lady Vale Bridge around the Scots Pine picnic area before returning through the valley.

  • Distance4.9 km (3.0 miles)
  • Time1½–2 hours
  • TerrainSmooth and loose surfaces mixed
  • HillsOne steep climb up to the Scots pine picnic area
  • Water / crossingsShares Lady Vale riverside then loops around Scots Pine
  • AccessSeating at the Scots Pine picnic area

Deviock Trail

Moderate

The long northern trail through Deviock, returning via Angel Bridge and Lady Vale Bridge.

  • Distance7 km (4.3 miles)
  • Time2–2½ hours
  • TerrainLong forest trail · mixed surfaces
  • HillsLonger climbs through the northern woods
  • Water / crossingsShares Lady Vale to the bridge, then loops through Deviock and Angel Bridge
  • AccessLong route with remote forest sections

Forest paths & stop-offs

Stops along the way

Real places near this walk, pulled from the Cornish.co.uk directory. Somewhere to eat, things to see, family days out, wildlife and beaches within easy reach.

Know before you go

🧭 Getting there

The walk starts near Bodmin. Use the directions button above to route to the trailhead.

🅿️ Parking

Forestry England main car park (P&D) · PL30 4AL

🐕 Dogs

Welcome · keep in sight · water & dog wash by toilets · farmland borders the woods

💡 Tips

Download the Forestry England walking map before you go. Trails are waymarked from the car park. Mobility scooter (Tramper) hire available for Lady Vale, Callywith and Lidcutt — pre-book. Café on site.

📈 Hills & gradients

Lady Vale is nearly flat; Lidcutt, Callywith & Deviock have gradual climbs; Wheal Glynn has steep zig-zags

⛰️ Safety

Paths can be muddy and uneven after rain. Wear suitable footwear and let someone know your route on longer walks.

More walks nearby

Coastal paths and inland loops within reach of this spot.