Chacewater Trail 3 takes you on a circular walk through the Todpool, Poldice Valley and Twelveheads area near Redruth. This is a named walking route from OpenStreetMap, so expect a public footpath loop through a quieter part of Cornwall. You will follow tracks and paths that cross former mining ground, with valley views and patches of woodland. Because it is a loop, you can start from several points along the route and finish back where you began. Also, the ground is uneven in places, so sturdy shoes are a sensible choice. The route sits in a landscape shaped by old mine workings, and you will see remains of that past along the way. Nearby, the village of Twelveheads gives you a small, peaceful settlement on the edge of the walk. This trail suits walkers who want a half day outdoors without heading to the coast.
What you will find on the route
The walk passes through the Poldice Valley, a green and narrow valley with a stream running along its floor. Because the valley was once busy with mining, you may notice spoil heaps, old engine house sites and overgrown shafts set back from the path. Todpool sits within this valley, but as a named point on the route rather than a village centre. Also, you will find a mix of open ground and tree cover, which gives shade on warmer days. The path can be muddy after rain, particularly in the lower sections near the stream. Twelveheads appears near the northern part of the loop, and you can pause there before continuing. The route is not waymarked as a trail, so carrying a map or phone map is useful. In general terms, a walk of this type lets you see how mining and farming have shaped the same small area.
How it fits into a day nearby
You can use Chacewater Trail 3 as the main focus of a morning or afternoon out from Redruth. Then, you might stop for food or a drink in Redruth town centre afterwards, because it is only a short drive away. Also, the surrounding lanes are narrow, so allow a little extra time for parking near the route. The trail does not pass any shops or cafes on the path, so bring water and snacks with you. Because the route is a loop, you can plan a steady pace and still finish within three to four hours. This makes it easy to combine with a visit to another outdoor spot in the Redruth area on the same day. The quiet character of the valley offers a change from busier coastal paths. It is a practical, simple walk that works well as part of a longer stay in this part of Cornwall.
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