Herodsfoot: Forest, Walking Trails and History

Herodsfoot combines a distinctive village history with traces of mining and walking trails in the West Looe Valley. When planning your trip, you can choose between historical themes and different walking options.

Village History and Industrial Traces

Herodsfoot is one of only 13 “Thankful Villages” in the United Kingdom. The designation refers to the fact that all the villagers who served in the armed forces during the First and Second World Wars returned home safely. This draws attention to the history of the village community alongside the industrial traces of the area.

Herodsfoot was the site of the East Cornwall Gunpowder Mills. The mills supplied blasting powder to mines in what is now the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site. On the slopes of Herodsfoot, chimneys from former engine houses are visible above the shafts. This helps trace the connection between the mill site and the mines it supplied.

Remains of a Roman road have also been preserved in Herodsfoot. Another point of interest is All Saints Herodsfoot: the church stands on the steep slopes of the valley leading down towards the village and the West Looe River. The Roman road remains and the church’s location offer different points of interest if you are interested in the area’s history and landscape.

Forest, Habitats and Valley

Large parts of the Herodsfoot Forest Plan area are open to the public, and several public rights of way run through the forest. Woodland habitats include those of dormice, birds of prey and otters. This gives nature enthusiasts another aspect to consider when planning a trip, alongside the historical themes: woodland and wildlife habitats are as much a part of the area as traces of its former industry.

Planning Walks Around Herodsfoot

An 11-mile walking trail from Liskeard to Looe includes Herodsfoot and the West Looe Valley. After your walk, you can return to Liskeard from Looe by train or bus. If you plan to make this return journey, check the timetable before setting out. The route combines a walk between two named endpoints with an option to travel back from Looe.

A 2020 walking report describes a walk near Herodsfoot as either a short, level stroll or a longer route with steep climbs through the valley. Path conditions can change, so check them before your visit. The information helps with different decisions: the 11 miles indicate the length of a trail from Liskeard to Looe, while the report describes the possible length and terrain of a walk near Herodsfoot.

If you are looking for a hotel for a trip to Herodsfoot, first decide which theme you would like to shape your stay. A longer walk between Liskeard and Looe is a different focus from a visit centred on the village and industrial history or the woodland landscape.

Discover more destinations: Carlyon Bay, Porthallow, Saint Issey, Pentewan, Porthleven, Fowey, Poundstock, Helston.

For the main travel overview: Cornwall.