Overview : This is an excellent walk with only a few hills but fabulous views into an industrial lanscape that is gradually being terraformed. ... more »

Overview : This is an excellent walk with only a few hills but fabulous views into an industrial lanscape that is gradually being terraformed. ... more »
Tips: There's obviously no loos or shops here so bring everything you need. You'll also need decent shoes as the path surface can be uneven,... more »
Almost at the brow of the hill there is a clear path going left follow this up to a kissing gate and go through. From the kissing gate you can go straight ahead or right both routes join each other again in about 5 minutes. Straight ahead gives lovely views over St Austell Bay, right gives you views over the clay pits.
Depending on visibility you can see along way up here. To your far right is Black Head at Trenarren and to the far left of the bay you may be able to spot a red and white tower; this the the Gribben Head daymark. Just coming in from the daymark you may be able to make out Par Docks, this was the main point of export for China Clay for the world.
This is a lovely wild spot, full of bogs, heathers and Skylarks. If you want to find one of the hidden bogs take a white dog.
OK- you can let them off the lead now. I'll let you know when the next stop is. The trail is a bit rough here.
From here you can dramatically shorten your walk by turning right. Good option if the heavens are closing in on you otherwise carry on.
This conical hill is a slag heap of waste products from the Clay industry. Mostly everything you can see or are walking on is a waste product of the Clay tips. The more official name form this tip is the White Pyramid and until only 20 years ago still shone white, some 40 years ago there were lots of other white pyramids but this was the last. V... More
Locked gate here and barbed wire. So either climb over or under. There are no signs about trespassing, indeed the path in both directions ends here so I don't understand the awkward access. In front of this gate is a second gate this is open as often as it is shut but it has a sliding bar so no problem with getting through here.
OK, that's it now, free range dog until you get back to the car. Incidently this is the half way mark.
As you walk along the path you will see two gates in front of you, head towards the left hand gate and along side the wall on the left you will see a make shift style. Up and over!
This trail follows the high road but if you want to say on the path don't worry we'll meet up in another 5 minutes. To take the high path just follow the fence on your right and head up.
but if you turn sharp left you're on the trail to the Eden Project. About a half an hour's walk.
Off to your right hidden in the trees is a large waterlogged quarry. Lots of kids swim here but if you are not a confident swimmer DON'T, the edges are sheer and only feet from the shore. However, it is an idyllic spot to rest and paddle.
At this point you are at a cross roads, go left to follow a path leading to the Tor in front of you. you will need to backtrack if you do. Alternatively walk on or go left up hill.
This trail goes straight ahead because my legs were tired but going right up the hill is wonderful. As you climb you will come to a clear path heading fur... More
The path is straightforward now in fact from here you can see a hut on the path, that's pretty much where you started
Episodes of Doctor Who were filmed here and you can see why. http://www.doctorwholocations.net/locations/oldbaalclaypit
Turn left down the track and you'll come back to the car park. More information about where you've been can be found here.
http://www.wheal-martyn.com/history.html