The best walks and hikes around Altarnun

Altarnun offers a wide variety of hiking opportunities, with over 100 trails available. These routes cater to different preferences, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging excursions across the moorland.

Yes, Altarnun has numerous family-friendly hiking options. Approximately half of the trails are rated as easy, making them suitable for families. These often include paths through sheltered river valleys and woodlands, providing a gentler experience than the open moor.

Many trails around Altarnun are dog-friendly, especially those on the open moorland. However, it's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead, particularly near livestock or ground-nesting birds, and to check specific route details for any restrictions.

The terrain around Altarnun is diverse. You can expect rugged, expansive moorland with granite tors, including the ascent to Brown Willy Summit. In contrast, there are also serene, sheltered river valleys with trails winding alongside waterways like Penpont Water and the River Inny, often through woodlands.

Yes, Altarnun features several circular walks. For instance, the Roughtor Moors – Brown Willy Summit loop from Advent offers expansive moorland views, while the Jamaica Inn loop from Cornwall National Landscape provides a shorter, easy option through open moorland.

Hikers can discover a wealth of landmarks. The area is home to ancient sites like the Goodaver Stone Circle and the Nine Stones of Altarnun. Natural features include prominent granite tors such as Rough Tor and Brown Willy Summit, as well as the distinctive The Cheesewring formation.

The best time to hike in Altarnun is generally from spring through autumn when the weather is milder and the moorland is vibrant. Summer offers longer daylight hours, but spring and autumn provide beautiful colours and fewer crowds. Winter hikes are possible but require appropriate gear due to potentially harsh moorland conditions.

Absolutely. An easy option is the Roughtor Moors – Rough Tor loop from Advent, which is just under 4 km and provides access to the lower slopes of Rough Tor with good views of the surrounding moorland. Many of the 50+ easy routes offer scenic beauty without significant elevation gain.

Parking is typically available in or near Altarnun village, often close to St Nonna's Church, which serves as a common starting point for walks. For routes venturing further onto Bodmin Moor, designated parking areas can be found at popular access points, such as those near Rough Tor or Jamaica Inn.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 280 reviews. Reviewers often praise the dramatic and wild beauty of Bodmin Moor, the sense of solitude, and the historical elements like ancient stone circles and charming village landmarks.

Yes, many hikes incorporate historical elements. St Nonna's Church, known as "The Cathedral of the Moor," is a prominent landmark in Altarnun village. A short walk from the church leads to a medieval packhorse bridge. Longer routes might pass by the famous Jamaica Inn or ancient tin workings scattered across the moor.

Public transport options to Altarnun are limited, as is typical for rural moorland areas. While some local bus services might connect to nearby towns, accessing specific trailheads often requires a car. It's advisable to check current bus schedules if planning to rely on public transport.