The best walks and hikes around Bodmin

Yes, Cardinham Woods is an excellent choice for families. It offers several waymarked trails through a sheltered woodland valley, suitable for all ages and abilities. The popular Woods Café, Cardinham Woods loop from Bodmin is a short walk of under 2 miles (3 km). The Camel Trail is another great option, being largely flat and traffic-free, making it ideal for a gentle stroll.

Bodmin is very welcoming to dogs. Bodmin Moor offers vast open spaces for them to run, though you should be mindful of livestock. Cardinham Woods has specific trails where dogs are welcome, and the Bodmin Beacon nature reserve is another local favorite for dog walkers. The Camel Trail is also a popular choice for walking with dogs on a lead.

Bodmin Moor is perfect for circular hikes. You can explore the area around notable landmarks like The Cheesewring, a unique granite tor, and the nearby Hurlers stone circles. These routes offer a true sense of wilderness with panoramic views and a touch of prehistoric mystery.

For a scenic walk with waterfalls, head to Golitha Falls National Nature Reserve. The trails here follow the River Fowey as it cascades through a steep-sided, ancient oak woodland valley. It's a highly regarded spot, especially after rainfall when the falls are at their most impressive.

Many walks in the area are close to refreshments. Cardinham Woods has a well-regarded café right at the trailhead, perfect for a post-walk treat. For a pub lunch, you can plan a route on Bodmin Moor that starts or ends near a village like Minions, which has traditional pubs popular with walkers.

Late spring and summer offer the best conditions, with warmer weather, longer daylight hours, and vibrant heather. However, autumn can also be beautiful with rich colours across the landscape. The moor is very exposed, so always check the weather forecast before you go, as conditions can change quickly regardless of the season. Winter hiking is for experienced walkers due to potentially harsh weather.

There are over 30 curated hiking routes around Bodmin available on komoot, ranging from easy woodland strolls to more challenging moorland treks. This includes a mix of 13 easy and 17 moderate trails, ensuring there's a walk for every fitness level.

The trails around Bodmin are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Hikers often praise the incredible variety, from the wild, open expanses of Bodmin Moor to the peaceful, sheltered paths along the River Camel and through Cardinham Woods. The mix of natural beauty and historical sites is a frequently mentioned highlight.

Yes, Bodmin is a key point for several long-distance paths. The Camel Trail itself stretches for 18 miles, and the Camel Trail Tea Garden – Wadebridge Town Centre loop covers a significant portion of it. For a more rugged challenge, the 60-mile Copper Trail circumnavigates Bodmin Moor, and the coast-to-coast Smugglers' Way also crosses the moorland.

The main Bodmin section of the Camel Trail starts near the Borough Arms, just outside the town centre. There is parking available, making it a convenient access point. From here, you can follow the trail through the scenic Camel Valley towards Wadebridge and Padstow. The Start of the Camel Trail, Bodmin – Camel Trail Tea Garden loop is a great way to experience it.

Bodmin Moor is known for its semi-wild ponies, which have grazed the landscape for centuries. You are very likely to see them on your walk. The moor is also a habitat for various bird species, including skylarks and meadow pipits, as well as otters along the riverbanks.

The Camel Trail is the best option for accessibility as it's a former railway line and is therefore largely flat and wide with a good surface. It is well-suited for both prams and wheelchairs. Most trails in Cardinham Woods and on Bodmin Moor have uneven surfaces, gradients, and stiles, making them unsuitable for wheels.