Looe, Talland & the Giant's Hedge - a short walk using the South West Coast Path

Looe, Talland & the Giant's Hedge

Millpool car park

7 miles (11km)

Moderate

There are some fairly steep uphill climbs, but the last mile or so is mostly level walking. People with mobility problems can enjoy this section with its views of Looe Island - start from the Hannafore area of West Looe and follow the Coast Path westwards.

Yes

Start the walk from the Millpool car park. From the inland end of the car park, take the Giant’s Hedge route through Kilminorth Woods, a Local Nature Reserve with a wealth of wildlife interest all year round. The Giant’s Hedge is an ancient earthwork which ran between the Looe and Fowey estuaries – a distance of some nine miles. It is thought to have been built in the sixth century by a local chieftain to defend his home territory against neighbouring clans. Patches of it still survive as an earth bank up to two metres high.

When the path leaves Kilminorth Woods, you join a country lane which climbs uphill to cross the main road at Parker’s Cross. Continue along the lane and turn right at Tencreek Holiday Park to follow the valley down to Talland Bay. This coastline has a long history of smuggling, and at Talland these activities have continued to very recent times. Take in the wonderful views and if you have time, the lovely Talland Church is well worth a detour.

From Talland Bay, follow the Coast Path eastward to Looe. As you leave Talland behind, there are two prominent black and white panels – daymarks indicating a measured nautical mile and used by the Royal Navy. Further on the Coast Path rounds Hore Point and the view of St George’s or Looe Island will be with you all the way back to Looe.

Until recently, the island was inhabited by two sisters, but is now owned and managed by the Cornwall Wildlife Trust. From Hannafore Point, the Coast Path follows West Looe Quay to the bridge separating East and West Looe. The car park is just across the road.

Looe can be reached by bus from Plymouth and St Austell.
Western Greyhound 573 service runs between Looe and Polperro.
Trains run between Looe and Liskeard which is on the main Penzance to Plymouth line.
For details visit Traveline or phone 0871 200 2233

Millpool car park (including disabled faciliites), Talland Bay (at seasonal cafe), Hannafore and West Looe.

Millpool car park (Postcode for Sat Navs: PL13 2AF)& Talland Bay (Postcode for Sat Navs:PL13 2JB).

Millpool carpark and Talland (both seasonal, Hannafore and Looe).

Looe Tourist Information Centre
Tel: 01503 262072


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	The 2010 Coast Path Photo Competition

	How to see the walks in Google Earth.

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Lansallos
Distance: 4 miles (6km)
Walk description: This magnificent stretch of coastline has no twentieth century intrusions detracting from the natural splendour of secluded coves and beaches.
View details »

Creeks and Coves: Bodinnick, Polruan and Fowey
Distance: 6 miles (10km)
Walk description: This walk takes in wonderful countryside, wooded creeks and stunning coastal views. There is a wealth of historical and literary interest as well as plenty of opportunities for refreshments. Add two short ferry rides to make a great day out.
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Gribbin Head
Distance: 5 miles (8km)
Walk description: The area to the west of Fowey offers a variety of landscapes including superb views and many features of historic significance.
View details »

craig donald (31/10/2009)

Tought this walk was excellent great coastal views and of the river through the woods, started a mile from the croosroads at miss lemons house and finished where we were camping so added an extra mile, well worth it.. do it again

Adrian Wood (17/10/2009)

I did this walk on the afternoon of Friday Oct 16th (2009). The weather was mainly overcast, but thankfully dry - and fairly mild. In total it took me around 3 hours to complete. I did it in trainers OK, but would recommend stouter footwear after rain - the paths in the woods can be very muddy.

I loved the tranquillity of the walk through Kilminorth Woods. Apart from one dog and their master, I saw just grey squirrels. The only sounds were birds, and the leaves during their autumn descent from the tree tops.

On exiting the woods, the lane section was a little disappointing. It's lengthy and generally up hill. However once you get to Tencreek Holiday Park, the decent down to Talland Bay gives some great views. It is however steep in places. The detour to the interesting church was most worthwhile.

The rest of the walk (3.5 miles) is on the Coast Path back to Hannafore and on to Looe. The path is superbly maintained - the grass had been cut and it was clear that some of the wooden gates had recently been replaced. There were quite a few fellow walkers around -a fair few with dogs.

If you want refreshments en route, there are two cafes at Talland. When I was there the one down by the beach was shut up with a note saying it would reopen in half term week. In an emergency I guess you could always call in to the shop at Tencreek. There were a few steep sections, early on in the woods, and then the coast path climbs steeply out of Talland.

To conclude I would strongly recommend this walk. The woods and the coast path give two contrasting views of Cornish beauty. Try it!

Anon (01/01/2008)

This was definitely a walk to burn off the calories and blow away the cobwebs after Christmas excesses!

The early part of the walk through Kilminorth Woods has one steep section at the beginning, which was slippery with the damp leaves laying on rock. I saw nobody else on this section which was quite muddy in places, and today had 3 or 4 fallen trees over the trail but they were easily negotiated. The walk to Watergate was very peaceful with only birdsong for company. After the first wooden bridge, the path divides. The lower path appears wider and less muddy than the upper one that I took but they join up again in half a mile or so.

When you reach the signpost that says Watergate footpath 200 yards, and Watergate 2/3 mile bridleway, don't be tempted, as I was, by the shorter option. It is extremely steep and slippery in damp weather. You then pick up the road and after quite a steep incline, pass the place where the bridleway meets the road. I did get to see two or three quaint cottages, but the extra hill climb wasn't really worth it. This fairly long road section takes you through farmland and climbs steadily.

Once over the main road, you follow a track to a ford and then follow a muddy path down to Talland Bay. Just before you get there, look out for Talland Church on the hill. From Talland, you pick up the Coast Path. The views for the next mile or so are spectacular. Today, the sea was a deep green/blue, contrasting with the white foam as it broke on the rocks, with shafts of sunlight breaking through the cloud. There was a kestrel (I think), that was gliding parallel with the contours of the cliffs. There are a couple of steep climbs (steps) along this section, but they are quite short.

At this time of year, the only facilities I saw open were in Looe. The is another substantial road section through West Looe with lovely views from Looe Island all the way round to Whitsand Bay.

The walk took me a fraction under three hours at a moderate pace, with only the occasional stop for a photograph. I would agree that it should be graded as moderate, although there are some steep parts. On the Coast Path there are some benches for those needing a rest but none prior to that. In my opinion, a good walk, particular the Coast Path with spectacular scenery, but certainly not a stroll in the park!