Cardinham Woods is an outdoor wonderland found here in central Cornwall, comprising of beautiful mixed woodland that is really well maintained. It is just a stone’s throw from Bodmin but feels a million miles away being cut off from the hustle and bustle of routine life.
Nestled in a forested valley, the woods cover about 650 acres, offering separate nature walks and cycling trails, incredible scenery, bubbling streams as well as being an inspiring environment. There is a choice of four well signposted and colour coded circular walks that vary in length and ability, some walks are on level terrain others have some steep inclines if you are looking for more of a challenge. There is a description of each route, so you know what you are tackling when you head off. There are suitable walks for wheelchair users and pushchairs.
Whilst walking around you will discover some stunning viewpoints, like views towards Bodmin Moor; and may stumble across remnants of the areas rich mining past with a Cornish engine house ruin amongst other ruins found here. Also look out for the traditional clapper bridge.
Dogs are welcome, and it is safe for off lead walking, although you are asked to keep your four-legged friends close to you. There is a dog showering cubicle if they should get muddy or need to cool down. Additionally, there are plenty of opportunities for them to dip in and out of the stream.
The separate single-track bike trails are fast and thrilling and will definitely get the adrenalin following. The blue and red trails provide some incredible flowing tracks with steep descents and excellent pump tracks with great berms. For a significant challenge take the ride up to the Hell’s Teeth section, it involves an upward climb but rewards with an extremely fast ride down over some rocky terrain. Not for the faint hearted!
There are information and activity boards dotted around the different routes for children; activities include, searching for mini beasts, teaching your dog a new trick as well as teaching them about the woodlands. They are ideal for keeping children entertained.
Badger Forest School is based here and offers a range of educational experiences that make the most of this incredible woodland environment and all that it offers.
During the school holidays a host of children’s activities take place here, that will engage and enthral inquisitive minds. Children will also have lots of fun playing and splashing in the stream.
An absolute delight is the Woods Café, serving delicious gourmet home cooking and tasty snacks. A welcome stop after a walk or strenuous bike ride. There is seating both indoors and outdoors where there are some picnic tables in addition to a nice little playground.
Also located here are toilets and changing facilities, a BBQ area, and the ranger’s office where you get information, learning/interactive maps for children or can enquire about the trails.
These delightful woods remain the place to come for fresh air and tranquillity amongst a glorious natural setting. An absolute overlooked gem here in Cornwall, it is no wonder it is popular with walkers, cyclists and families. A fantastic place to visit regardless of the weather or time of year, each season brings its own delights.
Although the woods are free to enter, there is a charge for the car park, which is dependent on the day and whether peak or off peak season.
To find out more about these Cardinham Woods please visit the Forestry England website here