Well it blew and rained all day not an auspicious sign for our trip out to Rilla Mill on the edge of Bodmin Moor, but low and behold it calmed down and apart from a short sharp shower on our way to the RV the evening was dry and the wind had died.
From the car park we passed through the first of many gates into woodland above the old mill leat and passed the remnants of old quarries and mines steadily climbing to pass Westcott, probably the home of the original owner of the Westcott Mine, then on our way to the appropriately named Uphill. After a short bit of road we took the track to Colquite Cottage, where it was recommended that access by 4x4 was the only way to get to the cottage, this was however not our destination. By now it was dark so we did not get a clear sighting of the Llamas.
We then descended through Colquite Wood to the bank of the River Lynher, pronounced Liner, to pass the rope suspension bridge, we did of course test it out but it was an out and back crossing as our route continued on the left bank. As we reached the road there was a notice board for the Stara Community Woodland, Colquite being one of three connected woods with trails to walk. Visitors are encouraged to bring gardening gloves and secateurs to help with maintenance as you walk the paths.
Then it was across the County Bridge to follow the right hand bank on the river’s descent into Rilla Mill, unfortunately the mill was demolished in the 1960’s as a hazard to road traffic!
Crossing the road to join the Caradon Trail but not for very long as we turned off the road to climb out of the valley to Sutton, a small hamlet that seems to be occupied by the wealthy, from where we descended again to Plushabridge.
A short climb up the road and left to cross the fields where again we had a perfect sighting of the Space Station, then it was time to climb to the bench situated to get views across the valley towards Caradon Mast. Finally we walked through the Dog Training assault course, where we were urged not to play, into the village past the pub to pick up the path to Westcott which took us back to the cars. We had passed through 12 gates, climbed 13 stiles and crossed 5 bridges + one for fun, and everyone was unique.
A daytime walk in the woodland with ice and snow looks like a must for the New Year.
Peter