It’s sometimes easy to forget that we live in one of the most picturesque areas of the UK; lucky enough to live in an area many flock to in warmer months, we have many gems on our doorstep.
As the first few weeks of 2023 proved exceptionally wet and grey, I was itching to get out to clock up some miles on foot and have some adventures out and about! High-pressure finally arrived, and I jumped at the chance for a good yomp, much to the delight of my dog Mabel. Opting for an easy 3 mile (4.8km) circular walk from Respryn Bridge, we enjoyed a lovely walk around the Lanhydrock Estate in glorious winter sunshine.
Setting out from Respryn Bridge (parking’s easy here, free if you’re an NT member), we followed the River Fowey downstream, its water thundering past after the recent torrents we’d had, taking us through sun-dappled woodland. Leaving the bottom of the valley, some steeper paths took us by fields of grazing sheep, an old disused quarry, and on into more hilly woodland. After a short climb, we found ourselves on a more level path with impressive views over the Fowey Valley.
We shortly found ourselves at the picture-perfect Gardener’s Cottage with its walled garden, surrounded by beautiful early flowering camellias and magnolias. Keeping to the path, we wound our way down to Lanhydrock House itself, a picture of sleepy perfection in the sunshine as it’s closed until March. Taking the beech-lined Avenue downhill through picturesque parkland, we passed by the stately looking Newton Lodge gatehouse, and were soon back at the carpark and our starting point – ruddy-cheeked, and so very grateful for the sunshine!