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England
South West England

Carn Brea

Easy hikes and walks around Carn Brea

4.6

(1037)

9,269

hikers

348

hikes

Hiking around Carn Brea offers a diverse landscape characterized by a prominent hill, granite outcrops, and expansive open spaces. The area features a blend of natural beauty and historical significance, including ancient settlements and mining heritage. Hikers can explore varied terrain, from gentle paths through scrubland to trails offering panoramic views across the Cornish landscape. The region is part of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site, with many routes passing historic mine ruins.

Best easy hiking trails around Carn Brea

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Last updated: May 19, 2026

5.0

(2)

15

hikers

#1.

South Wheal Francis mine ruins loop from Redruth

4.15km

01:08

60m

60m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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Tips from the Community

J0nfn
September 18, 2025, Portreath Incline, Hayle Railway

The Portreath Branch Line of the Hayle Railway. Portreath's second tramway, the branch line opened in 1837. It was always steam hauled and terminated in the famous 1:10 incline at Portreath. Coal was hauled up and empty wagons lowered simultaneously by a stationary steam engine at the top. It was always horse drawn to the harbour. There is no public access at present but it is hoped to open it up as a footpath in the future.

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South Wheal Francis is a historic tin and copper mine located in Cornwall, notable for its impressive engine house and rich mining heritage. It was a hub of industrial activity during the 19th century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site dedicated to Cornish mining landscapes.

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South Wheal Frances was originally a copper mine in the 1820s, before becoming a tin mine from the 1850s. The mine was active until 1918. The structures are relatively well preserved, including the remains of the engine house which contained an unusual inverted vertical beam engine.

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Wheal Basset produced over 128,000 tons of copper ore between 1832-1880 and was a particularly important mine of the Great Flat Lode. The well preserved Wheal Basset vanner house was built in 1908, where the mining ore was processed.

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Bethan Owens
September 11, 2023, Mary's Well

Mary's Well is an old granite drinking fountain dated 1888. The well was donated to Illogan residents by a local landowner called Mr Gustavos Lambert Bassett, who named it after his wife. There is a bench beside the well.

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sports

Translated by Googleβ€’

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This is an incredible piece of Cornish industrial history. Once a copper and tin mine, the ruined buildings offer a fascinating glimpse into Cornwall's past. Now overtaken by ivy and moss, it is hard to imagine the dangerous and dirty work that would have been happening here. The mines here dug into the Great Flat Lode, now a waymarked cycling trail, named after the mineral rich body of rock south of Carn Brea.

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Some amazing old buildings to photograph

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many easy hiking trails are available around Carn Brea?

There are over 230 easy hiking trails around Carn Brea, offering a wide variety of options for gentle exploration of the area's natural beauty and historical sites.

What do hikers enjoy most about the easy trails in Carn Brea?

The easy trails in Carn Brea are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Hikers often praise the unique blend of panoramic views, historical landmarks like the Carn Brea Castle and Basset Monument, and the fascinating mining heritage found along the paths.

What is the best time of year for easy walks around Carn Brea?

Carn Brea offers enjoyable easy walks year-round. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, while summer is ideal for clear panoramic views. Even in winter, many trails remain accessible, offering a different, often quieter, experience of the landscape.

Are there easy circular walks around Carn Brea?

Yes, many of the easy trails around Carn Brea are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. An example is the Vanner House loop from Redruth, which offers a gentle exploration of the local surroundings.

Are the easy trails around Carn Brea suitable for families?

Absolutely. The easy trails in Carn Brea are generally well-suited for families, featuring gentle gradients and interesting sights. Routes like the Old Tin Mine Route – Tehidy Country Park loop from Portreath provide engaging experiences through natural beauty and historical mining landscapes.

Can I bring my dog on the easy hiking trails in Carn Brea?

Many easy trails around Carn Brea are dog-friendly, allowing you to enjoy the walks with your canine companion. It's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead, especially near livestock or protected wildlife areas, and to clean up after them.

Are there easy trails accessible by public transport?

Yes, some easy trails around Carn Brea are accessible via public transport, particularly those starting from towns like Redruth or Portreath. For example, the Vanner House loop from Redruth is easily reachable from Redruth town centre, which has bus and train connections.

Where can I find parking for easy walks around Carn Brea?

Parking is available at various points around Carn Brea, often near trailheads or in nearby villages. For routes like the Old Tin Mine Route – Tehidy Country Park loop from Illogan, you can typically find parking facilities in or near Illogan or Tehidy Country Park itself.

What interesting landmarks can I see along the easy hiking trails?

The easy trails around Carn Brea are rich in historical and natural landmarks. You can encounter ancient Neolithic and Iron Age sites, the distinctive Carn Brea Castle, the Basset Monument, and numerous historic mine ruins that are part of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site. Nearby, you might also explore Carn Marth and Hick's Quarry Pool.

Are there any easy walks that offer coastal views near Carn Brea?

While Carn Brea itself offers panoramic inland views, some easy trails in the wider area extend towards the coast. For example, the Portreath Harbour and Beach – Woodland Gravel Track loop from West Tolgus provides a gentle walk that includes coastal scenery around Portreath Beach.

Are there places to eat or drink near the easy hiking trails?

Yes, you'll find pubs and cafes in the villages and towns surrounding Carn Brea, such as Redruth, Portreath, and Illogan. These establishments offer convenient spots to refresh yourself before or after your easy hike.

What kind of terrain can I expect on easy hikes around Carn Brea?

Easy hikes around Carn Brea typically feature a mix of well-maintained paths, gravel tracks, and some grassy sections. You'll encounter open spaces, scrubland, and areas with granite outcrops, but generally, the routes avoid steep or challenging ascents, making them accessible for most abilities.

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