The Clay Trails of Cornwall

MAP

This trail is a little harder walking - the slopes are as easy as they could be made but some are still quite steep. Wheelchair users may struggle in places.

You can start your exploration from Wheal Martyn on the Bodmin Road leading out of St Austell. Look for the China Clay Country Park by the village of Carthew. If you arrive by car, park your vehicle here and begin your walk. However, please note:

The Country Park car park is a private car park and will be shut at 5.30 during the summer. Please remember to be back before then!

Horse riders: if you intend to start from the Country Park please be thoughtful and park your trailer in the corner of the car park nearest to the trail to avoid hindering visitors to the Country Park from parking and damaging the surface of the car park. Please remember that the Country Park can get quite busy in the summer months and if in doubt please ask the staff where a good place to park is.

There is an honesty box in operation for trail users parking at the Country Park.

This trail leads you into some unique clay country, the white gravel path cutting through areas of rocky ground, grass and heather. The trail crosses woodland, heathland and reaches close to working mines and clay pits which have formed luminous green pools. Shelters are being built using cob.