Linkinhorne: Landscape and Heritage

The parish of Linkinhorne has a varied landscape. The River Lynher meanders through secluded valleys and alongside gently rolling fields. In the west, parts of the parish lie on the eastern slopes of Bodmin Moor. This granite moorland rises to more than 380 metres above sea level at Sharptor, above the Cheesewring. River valleys, fields and open uplands each give the landscape a distinctive character.

Landscape and Nature

The Linkinhorne Neighbourhood Development Plan area encompasses landscapes ranging from open moorland to wooded valleys. Mature trees, ancient hedgerows—many of them of great age—deciduous woodland and riverbanks contribute to the area’s diverse wildlife and plant life. The flora on the copper-rich spoil heaps of South Caradon Mine is also remarkable: unique plant species grow there, and the site is recognised and protected by law through AONB and SSSI designations.

History and Buildings

The Church of St Melor is a parish church dating from the late 15th century. It was restored in 1891 and is Grade I listed. The Hurlers is a monument comprising a linear group of three adjacent prehistoric stone circles; the three large, regularly laid-out circles are unique.

Rillaton Barrow is the largest round cairn on Bodmin Moor and is known as the findspot of the gold cup. The early prehistoric hillfort on Stowe’s Hill is one of the largest and best-preserved examples. The two monuments are notable in different ways: Rillaton Barrow is particularly distinguished by its location on Bodmin Moor, while the hillfort stands out for its size and state of preservation.

Plusha Bridge is a granite bridge over the River Lynher dating from the late 15th century. It has three rounded arches and two cutwaters. It was built to give the miners of Caradon convenient access to their parish church in Linkinhorne. The medieval bridge at Starabridge is a rare surviving example of a late medieval packhorse bridge. The area’s industrial history also includes the engine house at the Prince of Wales Shaft of Phoenix United Mine: it was built in 1910, and a chimney is attached at its southwest corner.

Exploring the Surrounding Area

The Rilla Mill and Plushabridge circular walk is in the area around Linkinhorne. It follows the River Lynher, passes through Colquite Woodland nature reserve and crosses medieval bridges. Check the path conditions before setting out. Minions Heritage Centre is currently closed to the public; check its current status before visiting.

For road navigation, it is worth noting that the parish has no major roads. The classified roads B3254 and B3257 cross the area. The B3254 runs from north to south, while the B3257 runs from northwest to southeast. Both provide road links to Launceston, Liskeard and Callington.

Discover more destinations: Saint Mawgan, Crugmeer, Madron, Pensilva, Mawgan Porth, Sladesbridge, Gorran Haven, Looe

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