Duloe Manor

Looe and Kilminorth Woods walking and hiking route

The busy fishing port of Looe has most of its town facilities such as inns, cafes, shops and museum on the east side of the harbour, with buildingsclimbing the steep hillside, not unlike some Mediterranean ports.

It is an attractive place, probably seen at its best when there is fishing boat activity at the quayside.at Looe is the terminus of the lovely little branch railway line from Liskeard. On the far side of the harbour, West Looe is largely residential but has an enormous main car park on land beside the river, formerly the site of boatyards. The thickly wooded slopes of the West Looe River comprise a local nature reserve with extensive public access, well-established tracks providing a choice of walking routes. One end of the woodland is adjacent to the major car park in West Looe; at the other end is the charming mini hamlet of Watergate.

The views over the estuarial river are good and the bird life is rich and varied. The 'Giant's Hedge', high up the hillside, is believed to be a 6th century boundary dyke. This circular walk links the two major tracks through the woods, linked by a short length of very quiet minor road at Watergate, all excellent underfoot and without stiles.

Walk Instructions

Start Point

Vast pay and display car park at West Looe, entered a short distance above the bridge linking East and West Looe, grid reference 250538.

Head for the far end of the car park, passing a slipway.

1) Go through a gate, beside an information board. There are colour-coded routes through the woods. Follow a broad, hard-surfaced track keeping as close to the West Looe River as possible. After crossing a little bridge the track narrows; a signpost indicates steps up to the left for use at high tide, otherwise continue along the riverside beach. The path soon rises away from the water edge; ignore any paths to the left, staying with the main path as it rises and falls gently across the hillside.

2) Go through a little gate to reach Watergate hamlet, close to the river at the foot of a minor road. Turn left to walk uphill along the road for approximately 300m.

3) Turn very sharp left to leave the road through a gate. There is a signpost 'bridleway. Looe 11/3 miles'. The excellent track stays high on the hillside; there are various signposted diversions but unless you want to explore the Giant's Hedge ignore these, following 'Looe', straight ahead at all junctions. Go through a gate to rejoin the outward route fairly close to the point of entry to the woodland, 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.