Get together and join Robert Hesketh for this family-friendly walk around Cardinham
This fairly easy walk through woods and fields in the green countryside west of Bodmin Moor has plenty of interest en route, including an historic church, an unusual mine chimney and a Norman castle. Pleasant through the seasons with wildflowers in spring and autumn colours, it offers shade on a hot day, but is well-sheltered against winter winds.
We begin and end in Cardinham Woods, a popular area with families and well provided with marked trails, toilets, parking, a children’s play area, picnic tables, barbecues and a café. Half-way is Cardinham’s historic church, with its unique dedication to Saint Meubred, who (according to William of Worcester) was the son of an Irish king and became a Cornish hermit. Among its many interesting features is a fine collection of typically Cornish 15th-16th century carved bench ends, complemented by a splendid carved chest. The churchyard cross is also one of Cornwall’s best.
Cardinham Castle was founded by Richard Fitz Turold, an Anglo-Norman with estates in Devon and Cornwall. It is one of approximately one thousand motte and bailey structures scatted across the country and consisting of a raised mound (motte), guarded by a defended outer courtyard or bailey. These were hastily erected shortly after the Norman Conquest to subdue the population and deter further revolts such as the Western Rebellion of 1067-68.
There are mine workings hidden through Cardinham Woods. Our route passes Wheal Glyn Silver Mine at Hurstocks. Last worked in the 1890s, Wheal Glyn actually began as a tin and copper mine - the silver was a lucky find. Look out among the trees for its fine chimney stack, which has castellations not found on chimneys elsewhere in East Cornwall.
Boots on? Let’s go!
Fact File
Distance: 8.75km/5 ½ miles
Time: 2 ½ hours
Exertion: Moderate
Start/parking: Cardinham Woods car park, SX100667
Terrain: Forest tracks, footpaths and quiet lanes. Fairly easy walking
Child/dog friendly: Suitable for dogs on leads and older children
Maps: Ordnance Survey Explorer 109; Landranger 200
Refreshments: Woods Café at start. Barbeque facilities
Public Toilets: At start
Public Transport: None
More Walks: Shortish Walks Bodmin Moor, Paul White, Bossiney Books, 2016
