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The Looe River valleys

Recommended by

Our view

"A short journey by rail leads to a leisurely walk along country lanes and riverside paths."

Walk directions

On leaving the station, turn immediately left along a quiet lane to a junction with another lane opposite Badham Farm Holiday Cottages. Turn right and brace yourself for a stiff climb for the next 0.25 miles (400m).

In 0.75 miles (1.2km), just before the crest, go left over a stone stile, then head diagonally across a field towards the opposite left-hand corner and a row of houses. (If the field is under crops and no right of way apparent, go round the field-edge.) Go over a stile in the field corner, bear left around the back of garages and bear left to the main road. There are public toilets to the right.

Go left along the pavement to pass the Plough at Duloe, preferably in time for lunch. Continue along the main road and in about 275yds (251m) you’ll reach a signpost to the Duloe Stone Circle. Once back on the main road, walk the few paces to Duloe’s Church of St Cuby, accessed via the cemetery.

From the south door of the church bear left past the tower to leave the churchyard by the top gateway into the lane (the war memorial is to the left). Turn right and follow the lane, past the school, for 0.75 miles (1.2km). Just before the tarmac ends keep ahead past a junction on the right and descend steeply into the wooded valley of the West Looe River. Go left at a T-junction.

Just before reaching the river, go left over a stile by a gate. Bear right opposite a gate and follow a faint, grassy path that becomes a broad track above the river. Follow the riverside way for the next 0.75 miles (1.2km). Be aware that stretches of the path are indistinct, and some areas extremely wet underfoot. Eventually reach a narrow lane at Sowden’s Bridge.

Turn right here, then cross the bridge and follow the lane, ignoring two side junctions, going left at a three-way junction, signed ‘Kilminorth and Watergate’.

In 0.75 miles (1.2km), turn left by pretty cottages into Kilminorth Woods. There is a choice of onward routes: either a riverside footpath, or the Giant’s Hedge footpath that first climbs steeply, then follows the line of the vegetated Giant’s Hedge, probably a 6th-century boundary dyke that marked out the territory of a local chieftain. Both are well signposted and lead back to West Looe. The riverside walk can be submerged by the river at one point as the tide rises. A short signed detour will guide you safely onwards if the tide is in.

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Location

Nearest postcode:

Additional information

Terrain - Good woodland, riverside paths, tracks and quiet lanes, can be very muddy on riverside sections; several stiles

Landscape - Fields, riverbank and woodland

Dog friendliness - Dogs on lead in fields and Kilminorth Woods

Parking - Millpool Car Park, West Looe, across river bridge from East Looe. Looe Station, 0.5 miles (800m) from Millpool car park, reached by crossing river bridge then walking north along A387 (small car park at Looe Station fills up quickly)

Toilets en route - Duloe and at Millpool car park in West Looe

Walks in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Dog-friendly walks in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly

About the walk

The two settlements of West and East Looe were quite separate until a bridge linked them from 1436 onwards. Looe has a long history of fishing and shipbuilding, and is still a thriving deep-sea fishing port with a daily fish market. Evidence of East Looe’s past wealth can be seen in its narrow...

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About the area

Cornwall has just about everything – wild moorland landscapes, glorious river valley scenery, picturesque villages and miles of breathtaking coastline. Known for its popular surfing spots, the region provides ample opportunities for water sport enthusiasts, and for those who prefer to stay on land, visitor attractions like the Eden Project and the Lost Gardens of Heligan offer a lovely day out.

Route details

Difficulty:

Easy

Gradient:

Moderate

Distance:

6.5 miles (10.4kms)

Ascent:

197ft (60m)

If you like this walk, you can try more routes in the area.

Find more walks in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly

The Looe River valleys

Recommended by

Our view

"A short journey by rail leads to a leisurely walk along country lanes and riverside paths."

Walk details

Difficulty:

Easy

Gradient:

Moderate

Distance:

6.5 miles (10.4kms)

Ascent:

197ft (60m)

Walk directions

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Turn right here, then cross the bridge and follow the lane, ignoring two side junctions, going left at a three-way junction, signed ‘Kilminorth and Watergate’.

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Location

Starting point

Nearest postcode:

Additional information

Terrain - Good woodland, riverside paths, tracks and quiet lanes, can be very muddy on riverside sections; several stiles

Landscape - Fields, riverbank and woodland

Dog friendliness - Dogs on lead in fields and Kilminorth Woods

Toilets en route - Duloe and at Millpool car park in West Looe

Walks in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Dog-friendly walks in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly

About the walk

Been on this walk?

Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.

Find out more

Walking in Safety

Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.

Learn more

Get an AA guide

Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.

Learn more

Been on this walk?

Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.

Find out more

Walking in Safety

Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.

Learn more

Get an AA guide

Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.

Learn more

About the area

Cornwall and Isles of Scilly

The Looe River valleys

Been on this walk?

Walking in Safety

Get an AA guide

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Walking in Safety

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The Looe River valleys

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Walking in Safety

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