Tehidy Woods
Cornwall
Tehidy Woods is one of Cornwall's largest surviving woodland estates, tucked between Camborne and the north coast near Portreath. The 8 km circular follows wide, well-maintained tracks through a mix of mature beech, oak and pine, looping past a series of ornamental lakes that break up the canopy with flashes of still water and reflected sky. The terrain is gentle throughout with just 97 metres of total climb, and the paths hold up well even after heavy rain thanks to their compacted gravel surface. It feels like a private country park rather than open countryside — enclosed, quiet, and sheltered from the coastal wind.
This is a superb dog friendly walk for dogs of any age or fitness level. The flat, reliable paths suit older dogs or those recovering from injury, while the dense woodland floor offers younger dogs endless scent trails through leaf litter, fallen bark and damp earth. Off-lead potential is moderate — the main tracks are wide enough to let dogs range ahead, though leads are sensible near the lakes where wildfowl nest. Livestock risk is low. The sheltered canopy makes Tehidy a strong wet-weather option when exposed coastal walks become unpleasant, and the year-round shade keeps things cool on rare hot Cornish days.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 8.1 km (5.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 1 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Woodland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- Toilets at South Drive, Cafe, Picnic areas
- Parking
- Free car parks at North Cliffs, East Drive and South Drive
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tehidy Woods dog friendly?
Tehidy Woods is a great choice for dogs of all ages and fitness levels, earning a 7/10 dog friendly rating. The wide, well-maintained gravel paths suit older dogs and those recovering from injury just as well as energetic younger ones, and the dense woodland floor offers fantastic scent trails through leaf litter and damp earth. Livestock risk is low, and the sheltered canopy makes it a reliable option year-round.
Can dogs be off lead at Tehidy Woods?
Off-lead potential is moderate at Tehidy Woods. The wide main tracks give dogs plenty of room to range ahead freely, but it's worth keeping them on the lead near the ornamental lakes, where wildfowl nest along the water's edge.
What should I know before visiting Tehidy Woods with my dog?
The 8 km circular route has gentle terrain with just 97 metres of total climb, so it's not a demanding walk. There are free car parks at North Cliffs, East Drive and South Drive, and facilities at South Drive include toilets, a café and picnic areas , handy for a longer visit. If you're planning a wet-weather outing, the compacted gravel paths hold up well after heavy rain, making this one of Cornwall's better all-weather woodland walks.
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East Lodge Car Park, Tehidy Country Park, Illogan, Redruth, Cornwall, TR16 4PX
50.2497, -5.2873
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