Woodland Walk
Woodland Walk
A great walk that kids (and dogs!) love around the National Trust Trelissick Garden along the banks of the Fal River.
From the car park at Trelissick head south down the hill towards Channals Creek.
When you reach the beach at the base of the hill turn left and pick up the path that runs north along the shores of the steeply sided river.
Eventually you'll pass a path down to the ferry pontoon on the right and a small building that leads to the garden (this entrance is open Easter to September and various dates in winter). Carefully cross the road to reach the woodland walk on the other side.
After climbing the steps follow the well maintained path north along the steep sided shores of the river.
After half a mile the path turns west leaving the main river and following the shore of Lamouth Creek.
After a while you'll find a junction in the path. Go to the right, following signs and the path all the way to Roundwood Quay.
At Roundwood Quay retrace your steps back to the junction.
Go uphill and follow the zig-zag path through mixed woodland up to the road.
Before crossing the road, ensure dogs are on leads and take extreme care when crossing to the gate on the opposite side by the Old Lodge.
Once over the road, go straight on until you find a tarmac drive.
At the drive, go through the gate to the side of the cattle grid and follow the drive until you find yourself back at the car park where you began.
Starting Point: Trelissick Garden
Distance: 2.5 miles
Duration: 1.5 hours plus return time
Grading: Easy
End Point: Circular walk
On the way: The walk takes you through the National Trust's Trelissick Garden. The cafe is a great place to have a break. You'll also go past the King Harry Ferry - one of the top ten ferry crossings in the world!
Walk Map
Detailed walk information
From the car park, have a look at the estate map before walking past the cattle grid into the parkland, with the sea view in front of you. Walk towards the water and you'll get to the beach. Although the boats have changed, the activity hasn't. Trelissick Mansion looks out to the English Channel, with ships taking shelter and re-fuelling, dinghy racing in the 'Carrick Roads' and ferries carrying visitors along the River Fal.
Trelissick was originally a farm and through a succession of owners, including the mining family of Thomas “Guinea-a-minute” Daniell, the estate with its large house, formal grounds and paths were created. Other owners include Viscount Falmouth of Tregothnan and the Copeland’s, owners of the Spode china company, who in the 1950’s bequeathed the land to the National Trust.
At the bottom of the hill is Channals Creek and the opposite bank is Turnaware Point one of the embarkation points for the D-Day landings. The Americans built a concrete drive of over a mile all the way down to the point from Carwarthen up on the hill opposite.
Channals Creek enjoys a great view down the Carrick Roads to the entrance between Falmouth and St Mawes.
With the beach in front of you, turn to the left and you'll find a metal gate. Go through the gate and this will lead you to the woodland walk. There are a variety of trees from old oaks, yews, hazel, ash and beech
After about 20 minutes you'll pass a path down to the ferry pontoon on the right and a small building that leads to the garden (this entrance is open Easter to September and various dates in winter). Carefully cross the road to reach the woodland walk on the other side.
Do not take the zig zag path on the right but continue around the corner veering left as though you are going into the gardens of Trelissick.
There are steps to the right down to the road leading to the King Harry Ferry. Across the road is a sign that says woodland walk. Walk up the steps and take the path with the river on the right.
Here at the bend in the river there are often very large ocean going ships at anchor. To see such large vessels in the confines of the thin valley underlines the fact that the Fal is a Ria, a deep-water river valley originally cut out by ice melt water before the sea levels rose. Fjord like it is extremely deep and often as many as 6 ships will be at this point in the river.
After a while you'll find a junction in the path. Go to the right, following signs and the path all the way to the Iron Age Roundwood settlement
Look out for oystercatchers, curlews, lapwings, fieldfares and kestrels at this stage in the walk in particular. They're among the many birds that come to the woodlands and foreshore at Trelissick. The mud exposed at low tide gives rich pickings for wading birds.
Explore Roundwood Quay - behind the current quay is a promontory fort from the Iron Age, now hiding within the woodland. The quay itself was once busy with vessels coming and going. Copper and tin were smelted nearby, with lime kilns built later.
Re-trace your steps back to the junction at Lamouth Creek then, go uphill and follow the zig-zag path through mixed woodland up to the road. Trelissick is managed today as much for its wildlife as it is for its historic interest and natural beauty. Dead trees stand next to living ones, dramatically increasing the number of insects, animals and birds living in and around the estate, creating greater biodiversity.
Before crossing the road, ensure dogs are on leads and take extreme care when crossing to the gate on the opposite side by the Old Lodge. This tiny building was built to match the fashionable Neoclassical mansion at Trelissick. It was later replaced by New Lodge, a bit further up the road. Both are now holiday lets for those who want to stay longer. Once over the road, go straight on until you find a tarmac drive.
At the drive, go through the gate to the side of the cattle grid and follow the drive until you find yourself back at the car park where you began.
Public transport information
Ferry from Falmouth to Trelissick.
Nearest Toilets and Nearest Disabled Toilets
Toilets and shop in the grounds of Trelissick.
Nearest Car parks and Nearest Car Parks with disabled provision
At Trelissick.
Nearest refreshments
At Trellisick
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