Help us protect the countryside. Never light a BBQs, campfire, or stove in the forest.

Visitor information

Spring has sprung in the woods

Cardinham Woods is one of Cornwall's hidden gems, rolling across the valley sides of a beautiful bubbling stream just 10 minutes outside bustling Bodmin. Discover iconic viewpoints, local wildlife, and a slice of unique Cornish history with the remnants of a former lead mine and an ancient clapper bridge.

Whether you want a gentle dog walk by the cooling stream, or an energetic hike with the kids, Cardinham Woods has a walking trail for you. The whole family can join the adventure with our bookable mobility hire.

Our cycle trail is open all year round with enough features to keep advanced riders entertained while less experienced cyclists build their off-road skills.

Why should you visit Cardinham Woods?

Cardinham Woods is just 10 minutes from Bodmin with activities for every interest. Walk, run, cycle, or simply snuggle up with a delicious treat from Woods Cafe.

Once you’ve visited Cardinham Woods, you’ll see why our visitors return time and again.

Visit England Quality Assured Visitor Attraction logo and Tourism for All member logo
Tramper user and walker on a forest road

Explore Cardinham Woods with an off-road mobility vehicle

Visitors with limited mobility (short or long-term, for any reason) can hire our Tramper through the Countryside Mobility Scheme. You do not have to be registered disabled to hire a Tramper. The Tramper is an off-road mobility scooter, which is easy to use and able to tackle a range of surfaces and gradients come rain or shine.

Food and drink

Mountain bike riders site at a picnic bench in front of a stone cottage

Woods Cafe

Refuel at beautiful Woods Cafe, serving a range of freshly prepared light bites and drinks every day.

Find out more about wonderful wildlife, towering trees, and all the ways you can enjoy your favourite forest.

Our family-friendly activity bag is packed with everything you need to...

Bond with your pooch by taking on dog-tastic challenges together, solve crossword clues and have lots of fun along the way – with everyone’s favourite dog and owner duo for company...

Set off with a hop and twirl as you join Stick Man at Cardinham Woods.  It's the perfect way to keep your young Stick Man fans entertained this summer!

What to expect

The interactive...

Our five walking trails have something for every fitness level and interest. Choose an easygoing stroll along the cooling Cardinham Water under dappled shade or strike out up the...

A female cyclist sitting on her bike and smiling over her shoulder with a map board in the background

Trail maps at Cardinham Woods

Plan your visit to Cardinham Woods with our free map downloads.

Nearby forests

Rough tor

Roughtor (sometimes known as Rough Tor) boasts a wealth of natural beauty. Its peaks provide a manageable and enjoyable 3-4 mile walk complete with stunning views.

The keen eye...

Davidstow Woods

Davidstow Woods is an unusual forest established around Davidstow airfield, north of Bodmin Moor. The forest is a conifer plantation perfectly placed for a walk to the special...

Generic woodland

Located approximately two miles north of Truro, Idless Woods is a stunning woodland with a diverse range of wildlife. 

Shaded walking trail in Stoke Woods, Exeter

Once part of the area’s industrial past, this diverse woodland now supports a wide variety of plant and animal life including some of the UK’s rarest butterfly species. Come and...

Membership invitation - click to find out more about membership
Volunteer with us invitation - click to discover volunteer opportunities across England