Castle-an-dinas and Menalhyl valley circular walk

Castle-an-dinas and Menalhyl valley

A mostly circular walk from the Castle-an-dinas Iron Age hillfort with 360 degree views across Cornwall, then into the valley to the River Menalhyl, followed by wooded paths lined with primroses, bluebells and wild garlic, and lanes with vibrant wildflowers.

Get the app to guide you around the walk

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Download the (free) app then use it to purchase this walk.
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The app will direct you to the start of the walk via satnav.
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The app guides you around the walk using GPS, removing any worries about getting lost.
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The walk route is described with detailed, regularly-updated, hand-written directions.
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Each time there is a new direction to follow, the app will beep to remind you, and will warn you if you go off-route.
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A map shows the route, where you are at all times and even which way you are facing.
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Each walk is packed with information about the history and nature along the route, from over a decade of research than spans more than 3,000 topics.
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Once a walk is downloaded, the app doesn't need wifi or a phone signal during the walk.
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The app counts down distance to the next direction and estimates time remaining based on your personal walking speed.
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We keep the directions continually updated for changes to the paths/landmarks - the price for a walk includes ongoing free updates.

either as a GPS-guided walk with our app (£3.29) or a PDF of directions (£2.79) Example of directions

The walk begins by climbing to the Castle-an-dinas hillfort and crossing the ramparts through the central enclosure. The route then passes through what was once a busy mine with overhead cableways stretching to the ramparts but is now just some quiet fields and woods. The walk descends into the Menalhyl valley and follows tracks and small lanes to reach the river near Reterth. After following the River Menalhyl, the route follows wooded paths lined by wild garlic and bluebells in spring. The route then loops back on itself to return via Dennis Farm.

Highlights

  • 360-degree panoramic views from Castle-an-dinas
  • Pretty scenery along the River Menalhyl
  • Paths lined with primroses, bluebells and wild garlic in Spring

Considerations

  • During mid-late summer, the path leaving the castle can become overgrown with bracken and the paths along tree tunnels may get some nettle and bramble growth. Take a stick, and secateurs if you have them, to clear your way.

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Vital statistics

  • OS Explorer: 106
  • Distance: 5.8 miles/9.3 km
  • Steepness grade: Easy-moderate
  • Recommended footwear: walking boots
  • No stiles: ✓

OS maps for this walk

Click or tap on map for more info (blue=laminated)

either as a GPS-guided walk with our app (£3.29) or a PDF of directions (£2.79) Example of directions

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