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 within easy reach of Coombe Farm Cottages. With it’s stunning scenery and wildlife and you can’t go wrong wherever you go on the moor, though beware of the mythical Beast of Bodmin!
There are also lovely walks around country lanes and agricultural fields around Coombe Farm.
Bodmin Moor
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, Brown Willy and Showery Tor.
Turn left onto the A395, turn left onto the A39 to Camelford. About 2 miles from Camelford look out for a sign on the left for Crowdy Reservoir and Rough Tor then follow the signs. This road is single track with passing places, and I swear is the longest straight piece of country road in Cornwall! After about a mile and a half you come to the National Trust car park at the foot of Rough Tor.
This is a great walk in uniquely Cornish landscape. To give you an idea of it’s difficulty Ella aged 4 & Granddad both made it to the top of Roughtor, though it is 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. You can just walk up the clearly marked footpath to the summit of Rough Tor.
Car Park: PL32 9QJ
Golitha Falls (near Liskeard)
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. 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. The parking is free.
Car Park: PL14 6RY
Siblyback Lake
Starting 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.
Car Park: PL14 6ER
Local Footpaths
There are public footpaths from Coombe Farm, west towards Laneast, and east towards Polyphant. You can also walk along the lanes from Trewen, down past the mill towards Altarnun. Follow the yellow arrows for public footpaths. There is a circular walk from Trewen Church: cards are available showing the route from the car park.