The best walks and hikes around Warleggan

Yes, the area around Warleggan is great for walking with dogs. Bodmin Beacon is a popular spot with a large open area for them to run. For a woodland walk, consider the Woods Café, Cardinham Woods loop from Bodmin. Please remember to keep dogs on a lead, especially on open moorland where livestock may be grazing.

For a shorter, accessible walk that's great for families, the River Fowey – Respryn Bridge loop from Bodmin Parkway is an excellent choice. It's a relatively flat 3.5 km trail through a lovely wooded valley. Cardinham Woods also offers several waymarked trails suitable for all abilities, with the bonus of a cafe and facilities.

Yes, the Golitha Falls National Nature Reserve is a short drive from Warleggan and is one of the most well-known beauty spots on Bodmin Moor. Here, the River Fowey cascades through a steep-sided, ancient oak woodland. The falls are particularly impressive after heavy rain. You can find more information on Cornwall's National Nature Reserves on the official government website.

The region has many excellent circular routes. For a moderate walk through historic parkland, the Lanhydrock House – Lanhydrock National Trust Cafe loop from Bodmin Parkway is a great option. It's just under 9 km and takes you through the beautiful Lanhydrock estate.

The hiking routes around Warleggan are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Hikers often praise the variety of scenery, from the wild, open moorland of Bodmin Moor to the peaceful, secluded river valleys and ancient woodlands.

There is a wide selection of routes to explore, with over 130 trails in and around Warleggan. These range from easy woodland strolls of just a few kilometers to challenging full-day treks across the moor, so there's something for every fitness level.

Cardinham Woods is a popular choice as it features a highly-regarded cafe with home-cooked food, making it a perfect start or end point for a walk. The nearby Lanhydrock estate also has a National Trust cafe you can incorporate into your hike.

Parking availability varies by trail. For walks in Cardinham Woods, there is a large pay-and-display car park with facilities. For moorland walks, you will often find smaller, free lay-bys or informal parking areas near the start of footpaths, such as those near Temple Tor. Always park considerately and do not block gateways.

Reaching Warleggan and the heart of Bodmin Moor directly by public transport is challenging due to the area's remote nature. The nearest mainline train station is Bodmin Parkway. From there, you could take a taxi to a trailhead or start a walk directly from the station, such as the trails around the Lanhydrock Estate.

This nickname comes from the area's secluded and magical atmosphere, particularly the steep-sided, wooded valley of the Warleggan River, which feels like a hidden world. The name was popularized by a 1990s TV documentary about the village and its eccentric rector, which highlighted its remote and mysterious character, evoking the fantasy land of Narnia.

Yes, Bodmin Moor is rich in history. The loop from Temple Tor is a perfect example, taking you past the Trippet Stones, a prehistoric stone circle, as well as the granite outcrops of Carbilly Tor. Many walks in the area offer chances to see ancient standing stones, burial chambers, and remnants of the region's mining past.