5 buggy friendly walks
Accessible buggy routes that soak up some of the county’s stunning scenery.
Tehidy Woods Country Park - Camborne
Feed the ducks, spot birds and squirrels, climb trees and play Tarzan on rope swings. With over 9 miles of walking trails, Tehidy is the perfect location for adventurous families with buggy-bound tots (and little ones on bikes). Park at the main entrance (where there’s an excellent café) and take the easy 1/2-mile loop around the lakes, or cross into the North Cliffs woodland for a longer, more hilly circular walk. Start point: Tehidy South Drive entrance (SW650432)
The Camel Trail - Padstow
Arguably Cornwall’s most popular cycling route, the traffic-free Camel Trail also beckons the buggy brigade. For lush woodland, tea gardens, a vineyard tour and a pub stop try the 6 miles from Wadebridge to Bodmin. However, it’s the 5 miles between Wadebridge and Padstow that steals the limelight with its stunning estuary views and waterside picnic spots – plus you can splash out on Stein’s fish and chips when you reach Padstow. Start Point: Wadebridge (SW990725)
South West Coast Path from Swanpool to Gyllyngvase - Start at Swanpool
For a snapshot of Cornwall’s gob-smacking coastal scenery try this short, easy stroll between two of Falmouth’s pearly beaches. Start at Queen Mary Gardens by Gyllyngvase beach and follow the tarmacked coastal path over the cliffs, taking in spectacular views of Pendennis Castle and Falmouth Bay. The next crescent of sand, Swanpool beach, is perfect for a paddle, skimming stones or a wedge of homemade cake from the beach café. Start Point: Gyllyngvase Beach (SW809316)
The Bude Canal - Bude
Whether or not you strike out on foot, the Weir café and wildlife centre, at the start of this walk, is well worth visiting with little ones. As well as the interactive wildlife exhibits, playground and lakeside farmland, from here you can join the towpath along Bude Canal. Follow the route seaward, alongside the nature reserve where you might spot herons, egrets and otters before you reach the wharf, beaches and sea lock at Bude. Start point: The Weir Bistro & Wildlife Centre.
South West Coast Path from Penzance to Marazion - Start at Penzance
Another easy stroll along the South West Coast Path, this 2-mile stretch flanks the glory of Mounts Bay, with the fairytale castle of St Michael’s Mount on one side and trains chugging past on the other – perfect eye candy for toddlers in buggies. The trail is level and wide with plenty of places to picnic, skim pebbles or stop to build a sandcastle on the beach. Start point: Penzance Station
Writer: Hayley Spurway
Cornwall’s regional author for www.coolplaces.co.uk and a regular contributor to Cornwall Today, the Good Cornwall Guide, Cool Camping guides and www.roughguides.com, Hayley Spurway has spent the last decade exploring, and writing about, every nook of Cornwall. Now with two tots and a dog in tow, she’s always on the lookout for adventure, days out and special places to visit in the county.
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