4.6
(1118)
11,102
hikers
25
hikes
Easy hiking trails around Chacewater traverse a landscape characterized by rolling hills and steep-sided valleys, carved by the Carnon River. This area, part of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape UNESCO World Heritage Site, features a mix of farmland, heath, and woodland. Hikers will encounter historic mining remnants, old field patterns, and traditional Cornish hedges. The varied topography provides diverse views and a blend of natural beauty and industrial heritage.
Last updated: May 3, 2026
5.0
(6)
21
hikers
5.62km
01:31
70m
70m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
20
hikers
2.94km
00:46
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.0
(4)
27
hikers
4.40km
01:07
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
12
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
hikers
5.59km
01:32
90m
90m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Wheal Busy forms part of the World Heritage Site through its importance to tin and copper mining during the 18th and 19th centuries and is also one of the historic mine sites on the Mineral Tramways Coast to Coast Trail, which links Devoran in the south with Portreath to the north. The extensive conservation work at Wheal Busy was facilitated by Natural England’s land management team in Cornwall, working in partnership with the landowners the Tregothnan Estate. The works were funded through a Higher-Level Stewardship agreement. Wheal Busy is thought to have its origins in the latter 1600s and during the following two centuries the mine was to experience important innovations in steam pumping technology. A Newcomen Atmospheric Engine was put to work by around 1726 and a Smeaton improved atmospheric engine was on site by the latter 1770s. The renowned Scottish engineer James Watt was also to personally oversee the installation of the first Boulton & Watt separate condenser engine to work in Cornwall, which started in September 1777. You can find more information about the conservation of this Engine House using the following link: https://www.cornishmining.org.uk/conservation/projects/2015-wheal-busy-scheduled-monument-conservation
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The remains of the bases for Californian stamps are among the most prominent remnants at Poldice Mine. These machines crushed ore-bearing rocks into fine sand, contributing to significant noise across the valley. Unlike traditional Cornish stamps, Californian stamps operated more rapidly and thoroughly, with each stamp head capable of crushing 1.5 tons of ore daily compared to the one ton processed by Cornish stamps.
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This is a welcome stop and popular with both hikers and cyclists.
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Impressive industrial remains, a great place to walk but note the warning signs related to the tailings from Mount Wellington, in the lagoons, which contain heavy metals and arsenic.
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Everything a cyclist needs. Great food, great drinks and a selection of essential spares.
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As well as great food and drinks, this fabulous cafe carries cycle parts and essential spares. Just brilliant.
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Great fun through the woods with lots of mineshafts to explore. Slightly knobbly tires will help!
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Chacewater offers a good selection of easy hiking trails, with 16 routes specifically graded as easy out of a total of 25 available tours. These trails are perfect for a relaxed outdoor experience.
Easy hikes around Chacewater showcase a unique blend of natural beauty and industrial heritage. You'll traverse rolling hills, steep-sided valleys carved by the Carnon River, and a mix of farmland, heath, and woodland. Many paths lead through the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can see historic engine houses, old mine smithies, and distinctive brick chimneys.
Yes, for a shorter, easy loop, consider the Bike Chain Bissoe Café – Bon Appétit Café loop from Gwennap. This 2.9 km (1.8 miles) path is very gentle and connects local cafes, making it ideal for a leisurely stroll.
Many of the easy trails around Chacewater are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and end at the same point. An example is the Carnon Viaduct – Lily Pond loop from Bissoe, a 4.4 km (2.7 miles) trail that leads through the scenic Carnon River Valley.
On easy hikes, you can encounter various landmarks reflecting the area's rich history. The Carnon Viaduct is a notable sight. Many trails also pass through the UNESCO World Heritage mining landscape, offering views of historic mining structures. For broader views, consider areas like North Hill, which provides stunning panoramas of the surrounding countryside.
Yes, many easy trails in Chacewater are suitable for families. The gentle gradients and well-maintained paths make them accessible for children. The blend of natural landscapes and historical mining remnants can also provide an engaging experience for younger hikers.
Most public footpaths and trails in the Chacewater area are dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept under control, especially near livestock. The varied terrain of farmland, heath, and woodland offers plenty of opportunities for walks with your canine companion. Always check local signage for any specific restrictions.
Chacewater offers pleasant easy hiking conditions throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn provide mild temperatures and beautiful scenery, with wildflowers in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn. Summer is also popular, though trails can be busier. Even in winter, many easy paths remain accessible, offering crisp views of the landscape.
Parking options are generally available near trailheads and in local villages. For example, routes starting from Gwennap or Bissoe often have designated parking areas. It's advisable to check specific route details for the most convenient parking locations.
The easy trails in Chacewater are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from nearly 800 reviews. Hikers often praise the well-preserved mining heritage, the peaceful countryside, and the accessibility of the paths for all ability levels.
Yes, some easy trails are conveniently located near local cafes. The Bon Appétit Café – Poldice Mine Loop Stone Marker loop from Gwennap is a good example, offering a pleasant walk with the option to stop for refreshments. The Bike Chain Bissoe Café – Bon Appétit Café loop also connects two local cafes.
Absolutely. Many easy trails are specifically designed to showcase the region's rich mining heritage. For instance, the Old Mining Chimney and Ruins – Heather Fields and Ruins loop from Gwennap takes you directly past significant mining ruins and through heather fields, offering a tangible connection to Cornwall's industrial past.
While popular routes can see more visitors, Chacewater's extensive network of footpaths means it's often possible to find quieter trails, especially during off-peak hours or by exploring some of the lesser-known easy loops. The area's mix of farmland and woodland offers many serene sections.


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