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Brown Willy, exploring Cornwall's highest Tors

Cornwall AONB Walk

Region - Cornwall AONB

County/Area - Cornwall

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 4.0 miles / 6.5 km    Ascent - 1100 feet / 333 metres

Time - 3 hours 10 minutes    Grade - easy/mod

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Walk Route Description

Photo from the walk - Brown Willy, exploring Cornwall's highest Tors
Click image to see photo description.

This relatively easy exploration of Cornwall's highest land can easily be accomplished in a couple of hours and provides a good introduction to the moorland spine to this the most western County of Britain. The easiest approach is from Camelford which lies astride the A39. From this pleasant town head southeast on the minor road to Poldue Downs where ample car parking is available at the end of the road (grid ref. SX138818).

From the car park continue south-east following the clear path that leads to the summit of Rough Tor, which forms the right hand end of the rock strewn ridge ahead. Roughly half way to the summit leave the main path and head west to the rocky crown of Showery Tor - the summit at the left hand end of the ridge. There is a path but if you miss it the terrain provides easy off-path walking.

Cresting the ridge Cornwall's highest summit, Brown Willy, comes into view offering a less exciting prospect than the Tor just climbed. Taking the feint path south and keeping to the western side of the stream, you will reach a more defined path that leads onwards and upwards to Cornwall's highest land. The summit is rather uninspiring but it does offer good views in all directions. The warning notices should be heeded as there are Adders in this area.

Return by the same path you used on the ascent to drop down to the stream. However rather than return by way of Showery Tor head gently upwards to the dramatic rocks that mark the summit of Rough Tor where there is plenty scope for scrambling on the rocks. All that remains is a steady descent northwest back to the car park. If time permits a short detour south along the banks of the stream just prior to the car park will reveal a monument to a nineteenth century murder victim - a rather gruesome end to a very pleasant short Cornish excursion.

Other walks nearby

Walk 1883 Advent Churcheasy5.2 miles
Walk 1029 Tintagel to Boscastlemoderate9.0 miles
Walk 3606 Berry Down from St Neoteasy/mod5.6 miles
Walk 2730 St Gennys & Castle Point from Crackington Haveneasy/mod3.0 miles
Walk 2731 Cambeak & Crackington Haveneasy/mod4.3 miles
Walk 2247 Draynes Bridge & Siblyback Lakeeasy/mod5.0 miles
Walk 3264 Port Quin & Port Isaac Circulareasy/mod5.7 miles
Walk 1076 Dizzard Point & Crackington Havenmoderate8.0 miles
Walk 3755 Dizzard Point, Millook from Penhalt Cliffmoderate6.0 miles
Walk 2462 The Rumps & Pentire Pointeasy/mod4.0 miles

Recommended Books & eBooks

Walking in Cornwall

Walking in CornwallThis guidebook includes routes to 40 day walks in Cornwall. From short, easy strolls to longer, wilder routes, there is plenty to appeal to both families and experienced walkers. The walks explore the interior and coasts, including walks through picturesque villages, old tin-mining areas and the Lizard and Land's End Peninsulas.
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