The National Trust (NT) has created a new path that connects two existing paths, making a lovely loop out by Lamledra near Gorran Haven. So I thought I’d go and explore.
- A lovely small loop walk with some great sites and sights along the way.
- No facilities
- Liable to be wild horses and cattle along the path
- No stiles, several kissing gates
- Relatively easy
- Four miles
- Glorious views
- Quiet
Step One
You can park at either the Penare car park above Hemmick, or Lamledra car park, both are NT, I chose Penare. The weather was fabulous if remarkably chilly 4c and I was regretting the lack of coat or gloves. The ground was still wet under foot after weeks of rain but it’s Cornwall in autumn. What can you expect?
I took the path leading onto the point and turned right walking along the gigantic ramparts of an ancient bulwark. Standing at the base it rears 20ft above you and you can walk along the top of them if you want. Walking in this direction, wait until you see the second gate on the left and climb up it at that point.
Step Two
As the path ends at the coast path turn left and walk up towards Dodman Point and the giant cross that stand up there. this is the highest point on the Cornish south coast at 374 feet above sea level. Just inland from the cross is a dainty Admiralty signal station. Could this be one the the NT’s smallest buildings? Return to the coast path and continue left. Soon you will see the huge curving bay of Vault beach ahead. the large house looking down on the beach is Lamledra.
Step Three
Just before the path gets to the house turn left and head uphill, past a bench and into Lamledra car park. Walk out onto the main road (tiny) turn right down hill and after about ten metres on your left is the new path. there is nothing (yet) indicating that this is the path, but it has been recently cleared and scrubbed. There is also a sweet little stone tucked away at the base of the path. “Beware grandchildren”
Step Four
This new path isn’t fully signed yet but it is quite evident. As you go through one kissing gate the area clearly sends you across the field with lovely views down into Gorran. You then enter a small wood and again the path is evident, it tracks down a steep hillside which is slippery and at the bottom comes to a gate and a little stream. This now joins the other footpath. At the stream turn left and walk back uphill again – sorry.
Step Five
This path pretty much takes you home. The path leads in Treveague Farm, a complex of holiday cottages and campsites. Turn right on the road, walk 10 or so meters and then turn left into the campsite, there are signposts all through Treveague. In the campsite, take the left hand drive and the path will become clear, running through two large privet hedges. The path ends at a small road. Walk forward and head along the road to the car park.
