The best walks and hikes around St. Ive

The trails around St. Ive primarily cross the open moorland of Bodmin Moor. Expect a granite landscape with prominent rocky outcrops known as tors. Many routes involve ascents to hills like Sharp Tor and Kilmar Tor, which reward you with expansive views. The paths can be uneven and boggy in places, so sturdy, waterproof footwear is recommended.

Yes, there are several easier options suitable for families. A great choice is the Cheesewring rock formation – The Cheesewring loop from Henwood. It's a relatively short walk that features the fascinating Cheesewring granite rock formation, which is always a hit with younger walkers.

Absolutely. Most of the popular routes in the area are loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same place. For a moderate circular hike that takes in some of the area's best features, consider the Henwood, Sharp Tor & Kilmar Tor loop from Minions — Cornwall, which covers about 8 miles of classic moorland scenery.

The open moorland around St. Ive is generally great for walking with dogs, offering plenty of space for them to explore. However, Bodmin Moor is grazing land for ponies, sheep, and cattle. It is essential to keep your dog under close control at all times, and on a lead when livestock are present.

The region is famous for its dramatic granite tors, which are large, free-standing rock outcrops. You'll also find the remnants of Cornwall's historic tin and copper mining industry scattered across the landscape, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Specific natural highlights include the unique Cheesewring rock formation.

A great route for exploring the area's industrial heritage is the South Caradon Mine Ruins – Donkey Pond loop from Lower Tremar. This trail leads you directly through a landscape of historic engine houses and other mining structures, offering a fascinating glimpse into Cornwall's past.

There are over 100 hiking routes to explore around St. Ive. The trails range from easy walks of just a few miles to more challenging moorland treks, with the majority being classified as easy or moderate.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Hikers often praise the stunning panoramic views from the tors, the sense of history from the mine ruins, and the wild, open character of the moorland.

Many hikes start from the villages of Minions or Henwood, which serve as gateways to the moor. Minions has a large, free public car park near the village centre, which is an excellent starting point for routes heading towards the Cheesewring and the surrounding tors.

Yes, for a shorter but rewarding walk, you could try the Daniel Gumb's Cave Memorial loop from Henwood. This easy walk is under 2.5 miles and takes you to a memorial for a local stonemason who lived in a cave he carved from a granite slab.

Tors are the large, free-standing rock outcrops you'll see on the hills of Bodmin Moor. They are formed by the erosion of granite over millions of years. Climbing to the top of tors like Sharp Tor and Kilmar Tor is a highlight of many hikes, offering incredible 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape.