The best walks and hikes around South Hill

Yes, many trails are great for families. The area has over 60 easy-rated hikes. A particularly good option is the Engine House Chimney – Quarry Pond loop from Kelly Bray, which is a relatively short and flat walk that explores the region's interesting mining history.

Dogs are generally welcome on the trails around South Hill, especially in open areas like Kit Hill Country Park. However, you may encounter livestock grazing, so it's essential to keep your dog under control and on a lead where required.

For expansive views, the Kit Hill loop — Tamar Valley is an excellent choice. This trail circles the prominent Kit Hill, providing panoramic vistas over the surrounding Tamar Valley landscape.

Yes, many of the popular routes in the area are loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location without retracing your steps. This makes planning your hike and parking much more convenient.

The terrain is varied. You can expect a mix of open heathland, woodland paths, and trails that follow old mining tracks. While many routes are on gentle slopes, some trails, particularly those ascending Kit Hill, involve more significant climbs.

There are over 100 hiking routes to explore around South Hill. They range from short, easy walks to more moderate all-day hikes, offering plenty of options for all fitness levels.

While most trails are easy or moderate, you can find more of a challenge on longer routes. The Kit Hill Trig Point – Kit Hill Summit and Trig Point loop from Callington is a moderate 10.6 km hike with over 270 meters of elevation gain, offering a good workout.

The area is highly regarded by the komoot community, with routes earning an average rating of 4.7 stars. Hikers often praise the stunning views from Kit Hill and the unique opportunity to walk through landscapes rich with mining heritage.

Absolutely. The network of paths, especially the multi-use trails on old railway beds and through Kit Hill Country Park, are well-suited for trail running. The varied gradients provide options for both gentle jogs and more demanding hill training.

The region's mining past is visible on many trails. The Quarry Pond – Engine House Chimney loop from Downgate is a great example, taking you past a historic engine house chimney and a former quarry pond, offering a glimpse into the area's industrial heritage.

Kit Hill Country Park has its own car park near the summit, which is a convenient starting point for many of the circular routes in the park. For other trails, there is often on-street parking available in nearby villages like Callington or Kelly Bray, but be sure to park considerately.