Cardinham Woods, near Bodmin, Cornwall
Cardinham Woods
Forest recreation landscape
Place photograph
7.1
Wildland
2–3 hours
Time
Paid
Cost
Peaceful
Feel
Why it's Wildland
7.1A steep-sided woodland valley near Bodmin, where walking and cycling trails follow Cardinham Water and one route climbs to the remains of Wheal Glynn silver and lead mine.
The appeal is more than a woodland stroll: a streamside track leads into a steep valley, with the Hurtstocks circular adding a climb to the remains of an old mine. It is a well-equipped forest destination, rather than a remote or untouched woodland.
Peaceful · Family-buzz
Find your way
Open mapCardinham Woods, near Bodmin, Cornwall
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The experience
Allow around 2–3 hours for a forest visit. Choose a shorter streamside wander or the Hurtstocks circular, which climbs from the valley to the old mine remains. The café and visitor toilets are reported at the start; check current details before travelling.
Things to do
Walk beside Cardinham Water
Follow a woodland track along the stream through the valley. The Hurtstocks route uses this streamside section.
Around 1 hour for a shorter walk; route length varies
Find the remains of Wheal Glynn mine
The Hurtstocks circular climbs from the valley to the remains of an old silver and lead mine.
Part of the 2.7-mile circular walk
Explore the forest trails by bike
Cardinham Woods has cycling trails; check Forestry England’s current trail information for route choices and conditions.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Around 1 hour
Quick Escape: follow the valley stream
- 01
Start from the visitor area and take a woodland trail towards Cardinham Water.
- 02
Walk the streamside section, then return by a suitable signed route.
- 03
Check trail conditions before setting out; paths may be muddy after wet weather.
Half day · About 1–1.5 hours walking; allow extra time for a café stop
Make a Half Day of It: the Hurtstocks mine loop
- 01
Begin at the woods’ visitor area, where the trail source reports toilets and a café.
- 02
Follow the Hurtstocks circular beside Cardinham Water.
- 03
Take the steep climb to the remains of Wheal Glynn silver and lead mine.
- 04
Return to the valley floor and finish at the café if open.
Verified history
The Hurtstocks circular reaches the remains of Wheal Glynn, described by the supplied trail source as an old silver and lead mine. Further dates or details are not established by the supplied sources.
Hidden details
The mine above the valley — Wheal Glynn’s remains are reached on the Hurtstocks circular after a steep climb from the streamside track.
When to go
· The car park and trails are listed as open daily from 6am to 9pm. Choose a quieter time if preferred; check current conditions.
The supplied sources do not identify a seasonal highlight. Trail conditions may be muddy after wet weather.
Tracks can be muddy after wet weather. The Hurtstocks route includes a fairly steep climb.
What to look for
Look for Cardinham Water beside the valley track, then the remains of Wheal Glynn mine on the Hurtstocks circular.
The story
Industrial mining: the remains of Wheal Glynn silver and lead mine.
Best time to go
Check current trail conditions before setting out; paths can be muddy after wet weather.
Choose a time that suits the weather and trail conditions; Forestry England lists the car park and trails as open from 6am to 9pm daily.
How long to spend
2–3 hours
Perfect for
Walkers · Families · Dogs · Cyclists
Before you go
Address
Phone
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: 6am-9pm
- Tuesday: 6am-9pm
- Wednesday: 6am-9pm
- Thursday: 6am-9pm
- Friday: 6am-9pm
- Saturday: 6am-9pm
- Sunday: 6am-9pm
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
Forestry England says the car park and trails are open daily from 6am to 9pm. Parking charges apply. The access road is narrow in places.
Parking
On-site car park; charges apply. The access road is narrow in places. Check current charges before visiting.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Visitor toilets are reported at the trail start; check current facilities before visiting.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
Woods Cafe is on site and is listed as open every day; check its website for opening hours.
Check before visiting
Dogs
Dogs are mentioned in visitor information; check current Forestry England guidance and on-site signage for rules.
Check before visiting
Accessibility
The source row lists a wheelchair-accessible car park, entrance, seating and toilet. Forestry England also lists mobility hire through the Ranger’s Hut, with opening times varying. Check trail suitability and current hire arrangements before visiting.
Check before visiting
Cost
Paid
Water
Stream
Gallery
Place photographs
Keep exploring
Around Cardinham Woods
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
