Walk - Looe, Talland & the Giant's Hedge

Route Description

1. Start the walk from the Millpool Car Park. From the inland end of the car park, take the Giant’s Hedge route through Kilminorth Woods, a Local Nature Reserve with a wealth of wildlife interest all year round.

The Giant’s Hedge is an ancient earthwork which ran between the Looe and Fowey Estuaries – a distance of some nine miles. It is thought to have been built in the 6th century by a local chieftain to defend his home territory against neighbouring clans. Patches of it still survive as an earth bank up to two metres high.

1. When the path leaves Kilminorth Woods, you join a country lane which climbs uphill to cross the main road at Parker’s Cross.
2. Continue along the lane and turn right at Tencreek Holiday Park to follow the valley down to Talland Bay (which is dog-friendly throughout the year).

This coastline has a long history of smuggling, and at Talland these activities have continued to very recent times. Take in the wonderful views and if you have time, the lovely Talland Church is well worth a detour.

1. From Talland Bay, follow the Coast Path eastward to Looe.

As you leave Talland behind, there are two prominent black and white panels – daymarks indicating a measured nautical mile and used by the Royal Navy.

1. Further on the Coast Path rounds Hore Point and the view of St George’s or Looe Island will be with you all the way back to Looe.

Until recently, the island was inhabited by two sisters, but is now owned and managed by the Cornwall Wildlife Trust.

1. From Hannafore Point, the Coast Path follows West Looe Quay to the bridge separating East and West Looe. The car park is just across the road.

Public transport

Looe can be reached by bus from Plymouth, St Austell and Polperro. Trains run between Looe and Liskeard which is on the main Penzance to Plymouth line. For timetable info zoom in on the interactive map and click on the train station and bus stops symbols, visit Traveline or phone 0871 200 22 33.

Parking

Millpool Car Park (Postcode for Sat Navs: PL13 2AF) and Talland Bay (Postcode for Sat Navs: PL13 2JB).