Cotehele & Bohetherick Woodland Walk
This circular walk from Cotehele Quay takes you through Cotehele and Bohetherick Woods, exploring semi-natural ancient woodland and taking in the sensory experience of the river and trees.
Before you go:
Don't forget to bring your walking boots for this trail. There will be puddles to splash in and some moderate hills to climb. The rangers love this route as it takes you past some of the finest old trees on the estate. Whilst exploring, follow the pink arrows along the route to help you on your way.
Map
Start:
The Edgcumbe Tea-room at Cotehele Quay
1
Start your walk at the car park on Cotehele Quay. Follow the pink arrow to the path above the car park which leads into the woods. Almost immediately, you will see a path on your left which heads straight up the hill.
2
When you reach the road, cross and continue on the footpath directly opposite.
Centenary Orchard
The Centenary Orchard was planted to celebrate 100 years of the National Trust in 1995. Lead Ranger George think that this spot has the best views of the Tamar on the estate. He loves to sit on the bench here and look down the winding river and over Haye Marsh on the right, one of our tenanted farms.
3
At the end of this footpath, you will descend several steps to reach a road. Cross the road and follow the path ahead for a short distance until you reach a turning. Take the right hand turning and follow the trail through the woodland.
In the spring, look out for fox gloves lining this path. In the summer, you may meet Ranger Pete doing a weekly butterfly survey here. Look out for silver washed fritillaries flitting between the trees.
4
At the end of this path you will reach a T-junction. Take the right hand turn and before you reach the gateway, take the left turn and follow the pink arrows along this track until you reach Morden weir.
Elbow Wood
This area is called Elbow Wood, named after one of the tracks which has a sharp elbow shaped bend. This tranquil track is a great place to pause and take note of your senses, enjoy the smell of the pine trees in the woodland and listen to the water running below.
5
With the weir in front of you, follow the track on the right, walk up the hill and out to a gateway which leads to the hamlet of Newhouses.
Morden Weir
Look out for migrating salmon and trout by the fish pass at the weir. This is where water is directed down a historic leat to the wooden waterwheel at the working flour mill.
6
At Newhouses, turn left and follow the road down the hill. Take care and watch out for cars here. When you reach the T junction at the bottom of the hill, turn left and walk past Morden Farm.
7
Just past the farm, the road forks. Take the righthand fork up the hill and immediately pass through the gateway on the left hand side to enter the woodland.
8
Follow the pink arrows through the woodland. You will walk above the weir on your left, and then you will see Cotehele Mill below you.
9
At this point, if you wish to visit Cotehele Mill, follow the track down the hill to the road. To continue the route, bear right and follow the pink arrows.
10
Follow the path until you reach a junction with a magnificent Oak tree beside a gateway. The track through the gate leads to the hamlet of Bohetherick, but to continue the route, turn left and follow the pink arrows down the hill until you reach the road.
11
Cross over the road, taking care to watch out for cars on the corner and continue following the path downhill to Bohetherick Quay and lime kilns.
Dung Quay
This area is locally known as Dung Quay, from when boats unloaded fertiliser here to support the market gardens in the area. The boats then collected lime to transport up the river for sale.
12
Walk around the kilns on the left to return to the road and continue walking downhill until you reach the stone bridge. Turn right and use the bridge to cross the stream. Follow the road right and it will lead you back to Cotehele Quay.
End:
Cotehele Quay