Cycling in Cornwall - Cardinham Woods @ Cornwall Connect UK

Cardinham Woods
Cycle Trail
Woodland Walks

How to find it:
From Bodmin take the Plymouth road (A38) for 2 miles, 400 yards beyond the roundabout turn left along the road signposted Cardinham - Fletchersbridge. After sharp bend at approx 600 yds, turn left and enter the forest in ½ mile.

Cardinham Woods.
The Forestry Commission's premiere recreation site in the SouthWest, Cardinham Woods is situated just to the east of Bodmin and is easily accessible from the A30 or A38, follow brown tourist signs from A38.

General Information
Cardinham Woods is a forest of over 230 hectares (650 acres) in the beautiful valley of the Cardinham Water river. There are four way marked walks of between 3 km to 7.5 km. The Lady Vale Walk (3 km) is suitable for all abilities and was one of the first walks to be awarded Millennium Miles status by the Fieldfare Trust. There is disabled access to all our facilities. there is a picnic area with barbecues at every table, public toilets and a children's play area.

Cycling
Cardinham Woods is a popular destination for cyclists of all kinds. Cycling is permitted on all the many miles of gravel tracks, so whether you want to ride gently beside the river, or try a more adventurous route on the steep valley sides, you will find the right conditions at Cardinham. We do not offer cycles for hire.

Food and Drink
Our Woodland Cafe offers excellent service at low prices. Now open all year round. Completely refurbished with a comfortable coffee lounge, log fire, attractive dining room, purpose built counter service area and excellent disabled and baby change facilities.
Teas and coffees, ice creams and a full menu of meals are available every day during school holidays and on Thursdays and weekends during the rest of the year.

Over night accomodation
Camping and over night parking is not permitted at Cardinham Woods, but we offer a unique opportunity at the nearby Deerpark Forest. This secluded valley has within it 45 self-catering cabins that have been completely rebuilt during 2002. For more information on this please email and ask for the Deerpark Cabin Site Brochure.

For More Information or to contact us:
Telephone Peninsula Forest District 01392-832262.

THE AREA & ROUTE Cycle Trail
The cycle trail winds its way along the valley bottom through scenic woodland. You can explore the site of the old Cornish Silver Mine or visit Cardinham Village. There are picnic tables along the waymarked route, as well as at the car park.
The mainly coniferous trees are managed and grown as a crop, but in doing so the forest provides a valuable wildlife habitat for buzzards, sparrowhawks, woodpecker, willow warbler, chiff chaff, deer, fox, badger, squirrel, bat and many other species of wildlife..

WOODLAND WALKS

Riverside Walk - Blue Markers - 3.2km - Approx 45 mins
An easy trail which is also accessible for wheelchairs - Its furthest point croses the stream near Ladyvale Bridge which takes its name from the Chapel of our Lady believed to have stood nearby.
Bluebell Walk - Purple Markers - 5.6km - Approx 2 hours
This walk starts at the Ladyvale Bridge, near to the starting point for the Silvermine Trail.
The walk takes you through a wooded valley of Douglas fir and up a steep track that can get muddy in wet weather, in the spring the woods are carpeted with bluebells.
Panorama Trail - Green Markers - 4.8 miles - Approx 2 hours
This a more strenuous walk starting near the play trail. The route involves several steep paths taking you through the valley bottoms and into the more remote regions of the woods.
Silvermine Trail - White Markers - 5.6km - Approx 2 hours
This trail is a 'moderate' track which starts at the Ladyvale Bridge and at one point leaves the forest track to climb a steep bank through the plantation, after this the path is reasonably easy going - The old 19th century silver mine works and ruined engine house lies at the end of the trail.