Deerpark Forest and Cornwall woodland walks near The Vale
Deerpark Forest is the woodland on our doorstep. It's about five and a half miles from The Vale, around a 15-minute drive, and it's one of the quietest places we know for a woodland walk in South East Cornwall. Tall conifers, mossy banks and bluebells in spring. Bring the dog, bring the boots, and come back to a copper bath or hot tub on your own deck.
Here's our guide to Deerpark and our favourite woodland walks in Cornwall, all within easy reach of your lodge or cottage.
Walking in Deerpark Forest
Deerpark is a Forestry England wood near Herodsfoot, just outside Liskeard (PL14 4QY). Paths and forestry tracks wind through the trees, with some steady climbs that mountain bikers like too. The walking trails aren't waymarked, so take a map or download a route before you set off.
A favourite is the Deerpark to Herodsfoot circular walk. It's about 5.1 miles, rated easy to moderate, and you can split it into two shorter circular walks of about 2.1 and 3 miles. Most of it is woodland track, with plenty of shade on a hot day. The footpath towards Herodsfoot is eroded in places, so walking boots are best at any time of year.
Dog friendly walks in Deerpark
All nine of our lodges and cottages welcome up to three dogs, and Deerpark is a lovely morning stretch for them. There are only two stiles on the Herodsfoot loop: one has a dog gate and the other has a wide gap beside it. Sheep sometimes graze a small paddock on the route, so keep dogs close there. Back at The Vale, the doggy paddock is ready for a final run.
More Cornwall woodland walks nearby
Kilminorth Woods, Looe. Ancient woodland on the edge of Looe, with gentle paths along the River Looe. Pair it with fish and chips on the harbour.
Cardinham Woods, near Bodmin. About half an hour's drive away, Cardinham Woods has five waymarked trails, a cycle trail and the Woods Café, open every day. The Lady Vale walk is 1.7 miles on a wide, surfaced track beside the river, with dog dipping spots, Gruffalo sculptures and a shorter 0.9-mile loop back over Centenary Bridge. The Wheal Glynn walk takes you past the remains of an old lead mine. The car park is pay and display, card or contactless only, and open 6am to 9pm.
Golitha Falls, Bodmin Moor. A riverside walk through ancient woodland beside the River Fowey to a string of tumbling cascades. Read our Golitha Falls guide before you go.
Lanhydrock, near Bodmin. The National Trust estate has woodland paths down to the River Fowey and dog friendly parkland, open dawn to dusk. See our Lanhydrock guide for the house, gardens and cycle trails.
Good to know before you go
- Check Forestry England's pages for opening times and any trail closures after storms.
- Pack waterproofs. Cornish woods stay green for a reason.
- Take dog bags and use the bins provided.
- Bluebells usually peak from late April into May.
Make The Vale your base
Six lodges with outdoor copper baths and three cottages with hot tubs, sleeping up to eight, tucked into the countryside near Lansallos. We're about four miles from Polperro and Fowey, five from Looe and three from the nearest beach. Solar-powered stays with an energy positive ethos.
Book direct at ohanamua.co.uk and secure your stay with a £25 deposit for stays more than 70 days away (terms apply).