Vast and rugged, Bodmin Moor is one of Cornwall’s greatest natural wonders. This landscape of granite-peaked grass and heather is an endless source of inspiration and activity.
Bodmin Moor claims the largest section of the Cornwall National Landscape, a patchwork of areas known for their outstanding natural beauty. It’s a place of wild variety, with towering granite tors, hidden marshland valleys, and miles of immense moorland.
Here, it’s easy to gain perspective. On Bodmin Moor, you can climb Cornwall’s highest point, Brown Willy, which offers spectacular panoramic views as a reward to those who reach the top. Centuries fold back as you roam among neolithic monuments and medieval settlements. And at night, in this designated you can discover the ideal arena for stargazing.
Rising from the bedrock of Bodmin Moor, Rough Tor and Brown Willy are its two highest peaks. Set out with sturdy footwear to conquer one or both – they’re nicely close together, making this a good half-day exploration (around five miles) if you build in picnic stops at the summits.
With a history stretching all the way back to neolithic times, The Hurlers encompass three of the southwest’s most notable stone circles. Their story is curious and legendary: in folklore, the stones are said to be local people punished for playing the game of hurling on a Sunday.
At over 700 acres, this nature reserve managed by Cornwall Wildlife Trust is home to a complex mosaic of habitats, including heathland, mire, scrubland, bog, ancient woodland, wet woodland, and acid grassland. Explore this rugged landscape by following the 8-mile (13 km) wilderness trail around the heart of the reserve.
Lying deep in the age of myth and mysticism, Dozmary Pool has long-standing associations with King Arthur, Excalibur and the Lady of the Lake. Other tales describe the punishment of poor Jan Tregeagle, doomed to eternally empty the pool with a limpet shell.
The Cheesewring crowns Stowes Hill on the moor’s south side. It was once described by writer Wilkie Collins as “a great pile of stones”, and he was right – but it’s entirely natural in origin. Its stack-like appearance was created by erosion, and named after the process of pressing apples into “cheeses”.
Bodmin Moor enfolds wide areas of land peppered with hamlets, villages and towns – rich in potential for pub lunches and café pit-stops. Historic Jamaica Inn sits high on the moor, making it a natural waypoint for weary wanderers. And, if you’re off in the direction of Cardinham Woods, the Woods Café is a tranquil hidden gem.
Bodmin Moor is a rough, rugged landscape, with areas that are exposed to the elements and wet underfoot. To be ready for anything, we suggest packing sensible footwear, a water bottle, and either waterproof coats or sun cream and hats (depending on the season).
It’s easily reached by car on the A30, which cuts across the moor itself. If you’re travelling by public transport, the nearest train stations are Bodmin Parkway and Liskeard. From there, local bus services run to villages around the moor, though services can be infrequent, so it’s worth checking timetables in advance. If you’re driving, you’ll find several car parks dotted around at popular spots like Jamaica Inn and Minions.