Just a twenty minute drive from West Carclaze Garden Village you will find the enchanting, Cardinham Woods. Here, large areas which were once deciduous woodland used for traditional rural industries such as charcoal burning, have been transformed into plantations of conifers, which has been managed by the Forestry Commission since 1922.
Some of the original woodland of oak, beech, hazel and holly still survives and the commercial timber includes larch, Sitka Spruce and Douglas Fir.
There are many tracks and paths that wind throughout the woodland courtesy of the woodland management and walkers should always heed notices of where work is being carried out, to be sure to not venture down blocked off paths.
Our favourite walk for families is the Gruffalo Activity Trail where you can discover the collection of sculptures celebrating the Gruffalo as well as other characters from Julia Donaldson’s best selling books.
Simply follow the Lady Vale walk that follows the bubbling stream and look out for the Gruffalo characters along the way. It certainly helps to keep the kids moving as they search for the familiar characters hidden amongst the forest.
Alternatively, follow the Super Worm Trail and discover the small but mighty creatures in the much-loved story and learn about the everyday heroic feats of mini beasts in the forest. The new self-led trail features brightly illustrated panels and a trail pack full of activities.
The trail is aimed at families with children aged 3-9 and takes roughly an hour (2.5km). Activity packs can be bought from the rangers hut for £3.50
Cardinham is famed for its hiking trails and there’s a route to suit all levels, from steep valley climbs with stunning views to easier tracks along bubbling streams. For the nature lovers, why not download iNaturalists app before venturing into the woods so you can identify and record the wildlife you see through the app?
It’s a great way of learning more about what you come across on your walks and also provides naturalists and other scientists with helpful information about the wildlife in the area. For visitors with reduced mobility they have a Tramper off road scooter for hire that can access the Lady Vale Walk, Callywith Wood Walk and the Lidcutt Loop.
Cycling and mountain biking are an excellent way to cover lots of ground and navigate your way through the expansive forest. The 12km single track Bodmin beast cycle trail aims to set the benchmark for single-track trails in Cornwall.
There are technical climbs and descents, snaking single track trails and tight beamed corners, small step downs, rollers and table tops with a couple of sections that are difficult and red grade trails that loop off the main Bodmin beast trail. The trail itself is 9.6km long and graded as blue which is an intermediate standard. The two more difficult sections are the dialled-in-dave trial which is 0.7km long and the Hells teeth trail, 1.6km long. Both are graded as red and are proficient mountain bikers with good off roading skills.
There are plenty of picnic benches a short walk from the car park but in order to prevent forest fires, BBQ’s are not allowed.
The Woods Cafe is certainly worth a visit for their cheese scones, selection of cakes, cream teas and doorstep-sized sandwiches.
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