The South West Coastal Path is one of the top walks to be found anywhere in the world (according to Lonely Planet), and Coombe Farm certainly agree that the North Cornwall stretch takes some beating. Boscastle to Tintagel, for example, is easily accessible and one of the Coast Path’s gems. This is a walk of great beauty with something for everyone: headlands, bays, views, beaches and history.
Bodmin Moor is also within easy reach. With it’s stunning scenery and wildlife and you can’t go wrong wherever you go on the moor, and there are plenty of choices, keep an eye out for the mythical Beast of Bodmin!
Roughtor (Rough Tor) and Brown Willy (meaning, Valley of Swallows), the highest summits on Bodmin Moor are locally known as the twin peaks of Bodmin Moor. It’s about a 4m/6.5km walk around Rough Tor and Brown Willy. This is a great walk in uniquely Cornish landscape. To give you an idea of it’s difficulty Ella aged 4 & Granddad (with his newly replaced hip) both made it to the top of Roughtor, though it is a bit steep. If you don’t fancy the climb there is a lovely short walk down along the river, which would be a great spot for a picnic.
Golitha Falls (near Liskeard) is a Coombe Farm favourite. There are a variety of different walks in this ancient and amazing woodland on Bodmin Moor. The area is home to a series of falls as the River Fowey cascades through the trees. With landmarks to discover such as King Doniert’s Stone, a memorial to the last King of Cornwall, Golitha Falls is a great place for a picnic with the kids by the river. In fact along the river are a series of little beaches which kids love. In summer the river is great for paddling and splashing about. It is also a top choice for dog walking, and circular walks of many levels. On a really hot day it provides good shade, and on a wet day the trees provide good cover.
Siblyback Lake, after which our lovely cottage is named, is a 30 minute drive from the farm onto the moors. Start from the main car park (at the Outdoor Centre), the round the lake walk is a great family circular walk (3.5m / 5km). This is also a great place to bike, scoot and walk with a pushchair or wheelchair. Dogs on leads.
There are lovely walks around the country lanes (no car required) and agricultural fields near Coombe Farm, and a couple of mapped circular walks (ask at the farmhouse for a map) around Trewen, one passing through the farm itself. Take your dog!