A CIRCULAR walk through the mature broadleaf woodland in the less well-known areas of the Lanhydrock estate, through bluebell woods and along the River Fowey, past the mediaeval bridge at Respryn, built after numerous prayers for safe passage in the ford-side chapel, had not resulted in the desired outcome.

Synopsis

The walk begins in the Lanhydrock main car park but follows paths away from the house into Hart Wood and through the broadleaf woodland to reach the horse and coach route from Lanhydrock to the railway station. The walk continues along the River Fowey to Respryn Bridge and follows the driveway to the gatehouse of the Lanhydrock park. From here the route turns through the Great Wood and follows the track towards Maudlin to return via the woodland gardens and Lanhydrock House.

Length: 3.8 miles/6.1 km

Steepness grade: 2 (Easy-moderate)

Footwear: walking shoes or trainers

Gradients: Roughly two-thirds of the way around the route, there is a fairly gentle climb where the route turns a corner near Maudlin. There’s also a gentle climb at the end to return from Lanhydrock House to the car park.

Highlights: Pretty broadleaf woodland and riverside scenery

Birds, deer and aquatic wildlife

Fungi ranging from edible to surreal

Ornamental woodland garden with camellias and rhododendrons

Lanhydrock House set in immaculate formal gardens

Dogs: Easy for dogs. There are no stiles on this walk. Some sections require a lead (e.g. road crossings and passing the main entrance at the end of the walk) but mostly off-lead. No livestock on the route

For over 200 more circular walks in Cornwall, download the iWalk Cornwall app from the App Store or Google Play. The app is free and each walk only £1.99 which provides detailed directions, alerts at each point and if you go off course, historical and environmental points of interest and works offline