The Hurlers and the Cheesewring from Minions
Cornwall
Minions is said to be the highest village in Cornwall, on the south-eastern edge of Bodmin Moor, and the moor around it is crowded with prehistoric and industrial remains, best explored with a dog on a lead since sheep and ponies graze the open ground. This 6.1km circular walk leaves the Hurlers car park and crosses the open moor past The Hurlers, a group of three Bronze Age stone circles set in a line, to Stowe's Hill, where the Cheesewring, a stack of granite slabs weathered into a precarious tower, stands at the edge of a vast old quarry. From the top there are views across Bodmin Moor. The route then drops past the engine houses of the Phoenix United and South Phoenix mines and through the woods and fields around Henwood before returning to Minions. It is graded moderate, with about 150 metres of climbing.
This is a dog friendly walk through big, open country, but sheep and ponies graze the open moor, so it is mostly a lead walk. From 1 March to 31 July dogs must be on a lead no longer than 2 metres on the moor, for ground-nesting birds. There is no shade on the moor and little water, so carry some. Keep your dog well back from the quarry edge by the Cheesewring. Minions has a tearoom, a heritage centre and toilets.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 6.1 km (3.8 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 2 hr
- Walk Type
- Moorland, Historic
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- High
- Facilities
- Minions Shop and Tea Room, heritage centre and public toilets in the village. Dog policies not confirmed.
- Parking
- The Hurlers car park on the edge of Minions, free.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to The Hurlers and the Cheesewring from Minions, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
Christopher Cottage - Lanteglos
Sleeps 4 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £483 / 7 nights
Rose Cottage - Higher Worthyvale Farm
Sleeps 4 · 1 dog · Enclosed garden
from £377 / 7 nights
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All dog friendly stays in CornwallFrequently Asked Questions
Is The Hurlers and the Cheesewring from Minions dog friendly?
Yes, it scores 7 out of 10 for dog friendliness. There are no stiles and the moor is a wonderful place for a dog to explore on a long lead. The score reflects the sheep and ponies grazing the open moor, the 2 metre lead rule from March to July, and the lack of shade and water on the higher ground.
Can dogs be off lead at The Hurlers and the Cheesewring from Minions?
Rarely. Sheep and ponies graze the open moor around Minions, and between 1 March and 31 July dogs must be on a lead no longer than 2 metres to protect ground-nesting birds. Outside that season you could let a dog with excellent recall off briefly when no animals are in sight, but most owners keep dogs on a lead for the whole moorland section.
What should I know before visiting The Hurlers and the Cheesewring from Minions with my dog?
The moorland can be hard to navigate as there is not always a single clear path, and the top of Stowe's Hill crosses a loose rocky bank, so wear boots. Keep your dog away from the quarry edge next to the Cheesewring. Carry water, as the moor is exposed. The Hurlers car park is free, and Minions has a tearoom and heritage centre.
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What’s Nearby?
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Three Bronze Age stone circles in a line on open Bodmin Moor, unfenced and always open, so you and your dog can walk straight in.
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