A Cornwall trail that ventures through a "glorious jungle of tree-covered slopes" has been named one of the UK's best winter walks for the start of 2025.

The Luxulyan Valley walk near St Austell was featured alongside 19 others in an article from The Times.

Discussing the creation of the list, the publication wrote: "Put the gloves and boots on, and get yourself out into that beautiful wintry countryside under a clear blue heaven, with a hint of frost to nip your nose and a scoop of breeze to redden your cheeks.

"Down through the woods where the shapely skeleton of every tree stands naked to admire. Out by the sea with the clamour of five thousand wintering geese overhead and unbelievable colours streaking the evening sky.

@not_all_who_wander_rlost A beautiful walk #luxluyanvalley #cornwall #autumn #fall #ruins #abandoned #abandonedplaces #viaduct #treffryviaduct #walk #naturewalk ♬ Autumn Leaves - Timothy Cole

"Or a skid and a puff up the hill for the reward of sublime views over the frozen landscape from the summit, and a bonus of smugness that you did it. And then down to a proper pub with a log fire and a well deserved hot toddy to warm you up."

The full list of the UK's best winter walks for the start of 2025 can be found on The Times website here.

Why was a Cornwall winter walk among the best for the start of 2025?

The Luxulyan Valley walk is considered to be a fairly easy route that is five miles in length and goes through a mixture of woodland and farmland tracks.

The Times wrote: "Luxulyan Valley is a glorious jungle of tree-covered slopes that hides the traces of former industry.

"The Treffry Viaduct spans the valley like the work of some heroic giant. You return via the Saints Way, an ancient path used by pilgrims through Cornwall in the Dark Ages."

The walk starts at the Black Hill car park in Luxulyan (PL24 2SS) and the OS Explorer 107 map is recommended for it.

In terms of getting to the start point Luxulyan is signed from A391 at Lockengate, between Innis Downs and Bugle and Luxulyan Valley is signposted from there.

Luxulyan Valley walk directions

Up steps by info boards, and left. After about a mile, at foot of incline (OS map reference 070562), head along lane.

Follow lane, then from Ponts Mill (073561) follow old railway track south to A390 in St Blazey (071551).

Turn right, and in 100m, right (“Luxulyan”). In ½ mile, right (062553, “Saints Way”/SW) up the woodland path.

Follow SW past Nanscawen (060554), Great Prideaux (058558) and Trevanney Farm (056566) for 1½ miles.

Descend into the valley. Just before the bridges, right off SW (053574, yellow arrow) to cross Treffry Viaduct. Turn left to car park.