Trelissick's secluded stroll to Roundwood Quay
Walk through historic parkland, along an oak-fringed creek and over a timber framed bridge to reach the promontory fort and 18th-century quay at Roundwood. You'll find wonderful views, historic landscape and wildlife galore.
Map
Start:
Trelissick car park, grid ref: SW835396
1
Walk out into the park from the car park. Follow the drive to the right, pass through the gate and into Lodge Plantation, following the woodland walk signs to the Old Lodge.
Walking with giants
Trelissick is blessed with some remarkable old trees, in particular the oak. From the start of the walk you’ll see these characterful old giants marching alongside the drive beside you. Take a few minutes to wander amongst them to fully appreciate their uniqueness, beauty and scale. On close inspection you may notice that one of the oaks has a massive crack running down its trunk - this was caused by the sheer weight of one of its lower limbs, virtually splitting the tree in two. The limb is now nestling on the ground preventing any further damage to the tree.
2
Cross the road and follow the zig-zag path down through Namphillows Wood, replanted during the storm in 1990.
3
At the end of the path turn left and cross over the small stream below the ponds. Go right and over the timber bridge.
4
At this point you can make a detour into the beautiful flower- and wildlife-rich meadows at Tregew, or carry on to Roundwood Fort.
5
Follow the path through Lambsclose Plantation, and along the edge of Lamouth Creek. Look out for egrets, shelduck and kingfishers.
6
Pause to have a look around Roundwood Fort, a fabulous Iron Age promontory fort.
Roundwood in the Iron Age
One of the most visually impressive elements of Roundwood is the substantial remains of an Iron Age promontory fort. This survives as a large bank and ditch forming the outer defences on the land side (standing up to 10 to 13ft (3 to 4m) above the bottom of the ditch); the ditch on the south side acts as a hollow-way down to the creek. Internally, there's an oval enclosure defended by a further bank and ditch, which is where people would have lived, traded and celebrated; the quay area was probably used as a trading and transport base even then.
7
Walk through the fort and down the steps onto Roundwood Quay.
Shipping
The deep waters of the Fal and Truro Rivers provide safe and cheap anchorage for a wide range of large vessels from all over the world. As economic forces change there may be oil tankers here, or perhaps refrigerated ships. Some stay here, with skeleton crews, for many months. The clank of the King Harry Ferry may be heard from Roundwood. This chain ferry is named after King Henry VI, as it once led to a chapel dedicated to him on the eastern bank. It's still an essential link to and from the Roseland peninsula.
8
On the north end of the quay there is a track, originally for pack horses. Follow this for 300yd (275m) until you reach a gateway on the left marked by an old hollow sycamore tree and a single granite post.
9
Go into the meadow and turn left back down to the Lamouth Creek path, turn right and retrace your steps. For a longer walk, turn left after the wooden bridge and carry on along the creek side back to Trelissick along the south woodland walk.
Get involved
We hope that you really enjoyed this walk. We look after some of the most spectacular areas of countryside for the enjoyment of all. We need your support to help us continue our work to cherish the countryside and provide access to our beautiful and refreshing landscapes. Find out ways you can get involved by visiting our homepage.
End:
Trelissick car park, grid ref: SW835396
