Duloe Manor

Kit Hill walking and hiking route

Kit Hill, a short distance north-east of Callington, at 333m. (1093ft.) is much higher than the surrounding countryside, providing a remarkable viewpoint from which much of East Cornwall and West Devon can be seen on a clear day.

Formerly part of the Duchy of Cornwall, it was gifted to the nation by Prince Charles in 1985 and has since been developed as a wild and rugged country park, with gorse as the dominant vegetation. The hill was rich in tin, copper and other minerals, much exploited in the 19th century, when the area was a hive of industrial activity.

There was also a considerable quarry. Chimneys, old shafts and other remains are abundant This comparatively short circumnavigation of the hill at a high level provides a remarkable gallery for viewing in all directions.

Being an official country park, there are several major tracks and also more minor 'link paths'. Several identical information board/maps sited at key points on the hill are a useful aid in following any particular route.

Walk Instructions

Start Point

Car park on the left of the Kit Hill access road, grid reference 380714. Follow the A390 from Liskeard towards Callington. After by-passing Callington town centre turn left in a little more than one mile. In approximately half a mile turn left again at the Kit Hill access road entrance (name on pillars). The recommended car park is on the left in a further quarter mile.

At the car park note the map and the information board. Start along a minor path ('link path') initially heading a little to the left of the top of the hill. There is a waymark on a post. The first section of the path appears to have been a former tramway. Cross a bridge over a narrow ravine (former mine entrance?). The track becomes rougher and narrow.

1) At a seat turn left for 20m. to a gate. Go through to join a more important track. Turn right to rise gently; as with most of this route the views are long and wide. Ahead, a little to the left, is a former mine chimney. The track heads for the remains of this mine. Continue past the chimney, along the same track as far as a small gate. Go through and turn right (waymark) to follow a minor track heading directly for the top of the hill, marked by another fine chimney. After another gate the top is reached. By the chimney are three orientation tables setting out a large range of visible landmarks, some twenty or more kilometres distant.

2) To continue the circuit turn left before reaching the chimney; a grass path heads for the railed-off site of an old mine shaft (North Engine Shaft); bear right to pass this area, joining a major track in a few metres. Turn left, soon looking out for a little gate on the right. Go through and follow a minor but always clear path. There are marker stones and a waymark on a post.

3) Reach the impressive remains of Kithill Quarry. A short diversion to the right allows closer appreciation of some of the quarry workings, including a deep pool. To the left is a long incline down which the stone was transported, obviously on rails. Leave the quarry area past another of the standard map/information boards taking a broad track to its left, soon rising a little. Ignore a bridleway to the left; the track becomes paved before the access road is joined. Turn left to walk along the road before turning right to return to the car park.

Disclaimer: This route was correct at time of writing. However, alterations can happen if development or boundary changes occur, and there is no guarantee of permanent access. These walks have been published for use by site visitors on the understanding that neither HPB Management Limited nor any other person connected with Holiday Property Bond is responsible for the safety or wellbeing of those following the routes as described. It is walkers' own responsibility to be adequately prepared and equipped for the ‎level of walk and the weather conditions and to assess the safety and accessibility of the walk.