The best walks and hikes around Chacewater
4.6
(1209)
11,552
hikers
26
hikes
Hikes around Chacewater Cornwall explore a landscape defined by its industrial past and rural character. The region is situated within the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The terrain features rolling hills, steep-sided valleys carved by the Carnon River, and a network of public footpaths that cross farmland and woodland. Many walking trails near Chacewater follow old miners' tracks, passing historic engine houses and other remnants of the area's copper mining history.
Best hiking trails around Chacewater
- The most popular hiking route is the Wheal Busy Smithy – Old Mining Chimney and Ruins loop from Chacewater, a 5.4 mile (8.7 km) trail that takes about 2 hours 25 minutes to complete. This Chacewater circular walk leads directly through the area's significant mining heritage sites.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is the Old Mining Chimney and Ruins – Wheal Bush Engine Houses loop from Twelveheads, a moderate 6.4 mile (10.3 km) path. The route features views of historic engine houses and follows tracks through the valley landscape.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the Old Mining Chimney and Ruins – Heather Fields and Ruins loop from Gwennap, a 3.5 mile (5.7 km) trail leading through fields and past mining ruins, often completed in about 1 hour 30 minutes.
- Hiking around Chacewater is defined by its historic miners' tracks, rolling green hills, and quiet country lanes. The network of trails offers a mix of easy and moderate routes suitable for different ability levels.
- The routes in Chacewater are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 800 reviews. More than 8,000 hikers have used komoot to explore Chacewater's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 25, 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.
21
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
(1)
36
hikers
10.7km
02:44
40m
40m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(4)
30
hikers
4.32km
01:06
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
12
hikers
10.1km
02:42
110m
110m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
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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In tin production, ore was roasted above 300°C to remove impurities such as sulphur and arsenic which otherwise made the cast tin brittle. If arsenic was desired, fumes from the calciner passed through a long flue known as a 'lambreth' or labyrinth, where the gas cooled and condensed, forming arsenic crystals on the walls. When sufficient had collected, the calciners were stopped, iron doors in the lambreth were opened, and the arsenic ‘soot’ was swept off the walls and shovelled out. Workers put wads of cotton wool in their nostrils and a cloth over their mouths. and followed strict washing regulations, but still experienced skin irritations. Some workers were believed to have developed partial immunity, and folklore suggested arsenic improved complexion and hair condition. The lambreth had a tall stack at the end to create a strong through draught and also to reduce the damage caused by the noxious fumes.
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Built in 1897, this calciner was used to roast arsenic ore - check out the date above the archway. Arsenic gas was driven off by the heat and travelled towards the stack higher up the hill and through the labyrinth, or lambreth, where it condensed on the walls. See this link for a diagram of the Brunton roasting furnace with the revolving hearth upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/af/Brunton_roasting_furnace.png
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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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Harbour of Devoran: nice view and seat for resting
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Everything a cyclist needs. Great food, great drinks and a selection of essential spares.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are the hiking trails around Chacewater suitable for beginners?
Yes, many trails are great for beginners. The area offers a good number of easy routes that follow relatively flat terrain, such as old tramways and gentle country lanes. For a straightforward and scenic option, consider the Water Lily Pond – Penponds Viaduct loop from Bissoe, which is a shorter walk with minimal elevation change.
Can I bring my dog on the walks in Chacewater?
Yes, the area is generally dog-friendly, with many public footpaths and bridleways suitable for walking with a dog. However, you will be crossing farmland with potential livestock, so it's essential to keep your dog on a lead where required. The open landscapes around the mining trails offer great spaces for dogs to explore responsibly.
What is the terrain like on the Chacewater trails?
The terrain is quite varied. You'll encounter a mix of old miners' tracks, which can be uneven and gravelly, alongside quiet, tree-lined country lanes and public footpaths across rolling farmland. The region sits in a valley carved by the Carnon River, so expect some gentle climbs and descents, especially when routes take you up to viewpoints overlooking the historic engine houses.
Are there any family-friendly walks in the area?
Definitely. The Bissoe Valley Nature Reserve is a popular choice for families, offering safe and relatively flat paths perfect for children. It's a great spot for a bike ride or a relaxed walk where kids can enjoy the scenery. Many of the shorter, easier trails around Chacewater are also suitable for a family outing.
What kind of historical sites can I see while hiking?
Chacewater is in a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so the trails are rich with industrial history. You will see numerous remnants of the 19th-century copper and tin mining boom. Look out for the iconic engine houses and tall chimney stacks that dot the landscape, particularly around the Wheal Busy and Poldice Valley areas. Many paths follow the old tracks once used by miners.
Are there any circular walks available?
Yes, circular walks are very common in this area. They are a great way to explore the landscape without retracing your steps. A good example of a longer circular route that showcases the region's heritage is the Water Lily Pond – Penponds Viaduct loop from Twelveheads, which takes you through a varied landscape of ponds and historic structures.
How do I get to the trailheads using public transport?
Chacewater is located between Truro and Redruth and is served by local bus routes connecting these larger towns. The main village can be a starting point for several walks. For routes starting further out, you may need to check specific bus services to villages like Twelveheads or Gwennap. It's always best to check the latest bus timetables before you travel.
Where can I park to start a walk?
For walks starting in Chacewater village, there is typically on-street parking available, but be sure to check for any local restrictions. Many popular routes, like those around Wheal Busy, have informal parking areas near the trailhead. For trails starting from other villages like Twelveheads or Gwennap, you'll also find small-scale parking options.
Are there any pubs or cafes along the hiking routes?
While most of the trails pass through rural landscapes and historic mining sites, you can often find a pub in the villages that serve as start or end points for your walk. Chacewater village itself has pubs, and planning a route that loops back to the village is a great way to ensure you can get refreshments after your hike.
What do other hikers say about the trails in Chacewater?
The area is highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 stars. Hikers frequently praise the unique blend of natural beauty and industrial heritage. The well-preserved engine houses and the views across the valleys are often mentioned as highlights, as is the peaceful atmosphere of the country lanes and woodland paths.
How many hiking trails are there around Chacewater?
There are over 20 hiking routes to explore around Chacewater on komoot. These range from short, easy strolls of just a few kilometres to more challenging moderate hikes that can take several hours, offering plenty of options for all fitness levels.
Can I access the coast from Chacewater on foot?
Chacewater is located inland, about midway between the north and south coasts of Cornwall. While you can't walk directly onto the coastal path from the village, the popular Coast to Coast Trail runs nearby, which is a 11-mile (17.5 km) route for walkers and cyclists that connects the historic mining port of Devoran on the south coast to Portreath on the north coast.
Most popular routes around Chacewater
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