4.4
(297)
2,044
hikers
101
hikes
Easy hiking trails around Altarnun, situated on the eastern edge of Bodmin Moor in Cornwall, offer access to diverse landscapes within the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The region features rugged moorland, prominent tors (hills under 200m), and serene river valleys like Penpont Water. Hikers can explore ancient stone circles, historic churches, and woodlands, providing varied terrain for easy walks. This area is characterized by its blend of open moorland and sheltered valleys.
Last updated: May 19, 2026
4.9
(19)
357
hikers
4.70km
01:12
20m
20m
The Siblyback Lake Trail offers an easy hiking experience, covering 2.9 miles (4.7 km) with a gentle elevation gain of just 53 feet (16 metres). You can expect to complete this route in about 1 hour and 11 minutes, making it perfect for a relaxed outing. As you hike, you'll enjoy continuous views of Siblyback Lake, with Tregarrick Tor visible in the distance across the water, and pass through varied sections of woodland and open fields.
Planning your visit to Siblyback Lake is straightforward, as the trail is largely flat and features a hard-packed surface. This makes it suitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs, and even cyclists, though comfortable footwear is always a good idea. You will find convenient facilities along the way, including the Olive & Co Cafe for refreshments, public toilets, and ample picnic areas to enjoy. Be aware that some parts of the path might become soft or puddle-filled after heavy rain.
This route is situated on the edge of Bodmin Moor, providing a scenic backdrop to your walk. The trail follows the lake's shoreline, offering opportunities for bird watching, with a dedicated bird hide available for enthusiasts. It's an ideal choice if you are looking for an accessible and gentle walk that combines natural beauty with practical amenities, making it a popular spot for families and beginners alike.
4.1
(10)
46
hikers
5.42km
01:28
70m
70m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.0
(5)
54
hikers
3.68km
01:07
130m
130m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
22
hikers
7.11km
01:53
70m
70m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(3)
22
hikers
7.13km
01:55
80m
80m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Altarnun
Stayed 1 night, lovely room, gorgeous dinner and a great base for a walk to Brown Willy!
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Siblyback Lake is a reservoir on the edge of Bodmin Moor. The dam blocks a small tributary of the River Fowey.
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Fun compacted gravel fire trails through the woods. There is a small car park on the North East entrance to the plantation.
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On the shore of Siblyback Lake sits Olive & Co. Open for breakfast and lunch it also serves teas, coffees and cakes, including vegan and gluten free options. Watching over the calm waters of the reservoir, sitting and enjoying a brew or something to eat makes a lovely end to a run.
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The dam was built in 1968 to create the reservoir which provides drinking water and tops up the water levels of the River Fowey during the dry months. Once a small tributary of the River Fowey, Siblyback Lake now holds 3 billion litres of water.
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The path around Siblyback Lake is hardpacked, suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs and at 5km long is the perfect run. The lake is set in Bodmin Moor so you can appreciate the beauty of the area without having to climb up any Tors.
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The River Fowey tumbles its way down the Golitha Falls, a collection of waterfalls in Draynes Wood. It is also a haven for wildlife with salmon, sea trout, otters and bats all present. No trip to Bodmin Moor would be complete without a visit here. It is especially spectacular after heavy rain.
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Altarnun offers a wide selection of easy hiking trails, with over 50 routes specifically categorized as easy. In total, there are more than 100 verified hiking routes in the area, catering to various preferences.
Easy hikes around Altarnun feature a diverse landscape. You'll find paths traversing open moorland, sheltered river valleys like Penpont Water, and wooded areas. Many routes also incorporate ancient stone circles and historic features, providing varied and interesting terrain suitable for beginners.
Yes, Altarnun has several easy routes suitable for families. Trails often lead through gentle landscapes, past historical sites, or into woodlands. For example, the Halvana Woods Gravel Trails loop from Webb's Down offers a pleasant walk through wooded areas on gravel paths, which can be ideal for families.
Many of the easy hiking trails around Altarnun are dog-friendly, allowing you to explore the moorland and river valleys with your canine companion. However, always keep dogs under control, especially when crossing farmland or near livestock, and be mindful of local signage regarding lead requirements.
Even on easy trails, you can encounter fascinating landmarks and natural features. The region is rich in prehistoric sites like the Hurlers Stone Circles. You might also pass by historic churches, such as St. Nonna's Church in Altarnun, or enjoy views of prominent tors like Rough Tor from a distance.
Yes, many of the easy hiking routes around Altarnun are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point without retracing your steps. An example is the Jamaica Inn loop from Cornwall National Landscape, which offers a convenient circular path.
Spring and summer are generally ideal for easy hiking in Altarnun, offering milder weather and vibrant landscapes. However, the moorland and sheltered valleys can be enjoyed year-round. Autumn brings beautiful colors, while winter can offer crisp, clear days, though paths might be muddier and weather more unpredictable.
Altarnun village itself has local amenities, including pubs, which can be incorporated into your walk. The famous Jamaica Inn, a historic coaching inn, is also located within the parish and is a popular stop for hikers. Routes like the Jamaica Inn loop from Cornwall National Landscape offer a chance to explore the area around this landmark.
The komoot community highly rates the hiking experience in Altarnun, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 280 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse landscapes, from rugged moorland to tranquil river valleys, and the sense of history found among the ancient stone circles and historic buildings.
Absolutely. While some tors like Brown Willy and Rough Tor involve more challenging ascents, many easy routes provide excellent views of these prominent features without requiring a strenuous climb. The Roughtor Moors – Rough Tor loop from Advent is an easy path that offers views of Rough Tor's impressive rock formations.
Easy hikes in Altarnun typically range from short strolls of around 2 miles (3 km) to longer, but still gentle, walks of up to 4-5 miles (6-8 km). For instance, the Halvana Woods Gravel Trails loop from Halvana is about 2.4 miles (3.9 km) long, making it a good option for a shorter, easy excursion.


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