Codda to Brown Willy

This route takes the Southerly route to the Brown Willy Tor, you will be entering open moorland. An alternative route to the highest Tor in Cornwall UK. Not so much a circular walk but more like a there-and-back walk, although variations and or additions to the plotted route can be made, subject to competence in remote walking.

Technical sheet

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 9.60 km
  • ◔
    Calculated time: 3h 25 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult

  • ⚐
    Return to departure point: Yes
  • ↗
    Vertical gain: + 230 m
  • ↘
    Vertical drop: - 231 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 407 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 245 m

Photos

Description

Start : The start of this walk is at the end of a moorland lane gaining access to farm/s and residences, Blackhill. (Nearby postcode PL15 7TJ) Grid ref. SX 181 782

(S/E) At the lane end follow the designated signage through the gate, following the farm track northeast.

(1) From the Ford, crossed via the adjacent footbridge, continue on the designated track, through the gates, as the track reaches the top of the hill, the designated path ascends in a northeast direction through trees and gorse, to another gate, and the open Moors. For ease of navigation, handrail the left-hand hedge to Moorland farm "Leskernick Farm".

(2) From the moorland farm "Leskernick Farm", continue in a northeast direction. Keeping the Farm and fields on the left, on the way, will cross several streams, then contour around with the hill turning from a northeast direction to a more west to southwest direction. You will be following a stream, upstream, between two hills. You will see the stream change direction to the northwest.

(3) At this point consider crossing the stream, ahead you should see an old stone dam (which has been holed) and boggy around that area.

(4) On crossing the stream, use the handrail, then follow the stream up to the dam. At this point, walk up to a linear feature, a trench was an old leat, 25/30m north of the dam corner. Then west-southwest for approx 500m up to a large rocky outcrop, not on OS 1:25k but shown on the 1:50K mapping, this is a check-off point as Brown Willy is clearly visible, a check-off point if the weather should "close in".

(5) From the outcrop continue to the gate within the fence, which is running north-south, approx 300m west, through the gate a well-worn path leads to the base of the Tor to the summit.

Choices, alternate route''
1. Scramble up the side of the Tor to the Summit, or
2. From the gate approximately 300m from the gate there is a rough track northwest to the most northerly point of the Tor out-crop. The climb to the top is not such a scramble, a little longer and perhaps easier to climb/ascend.''

(6) The Summit of Brown Willy, 417m above sea level the highest point in Cornwall with far-reaching views. As the walk is a there-and-back, the only option is getting off the Tor, either the way you came up or the alternate route to the summit. On the way back check off waymarks (4) to (1) to return to the start. (S/E)

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 267 m - End of a moorland lane
  2. 1 : km 0.39 - alt. 247 m - Ford - Footbridge
  3. 2 : km 1.54 - alt. 271 m - Moorland farm "Leskernick Farm"
  4. 3 : km 2.04 - alt. 266 m - Stream
  5. 4 : km 2.38 - alt. 269 m - Stream
  6. 5 : km 3.08 - alt. 307 m - Outcrop
  7. 6 : km 5.33 - alt. 400 m - Brown Willy Summit (417m)
  8. S/E : km 9.6 - alt. 268 m - End of a moorland lane

Practical information

Start : The start of this walk is at the end of a moorland lane gaining access to farm/s and residences, Blackhill. (Nearby postcode PL15 7TJ) Grid ref. SX 181 782

Parking : The start of this walk is at the end of a moorland lane gaining access to farm/s and residences, please be considerate when accessing and parking. There is perhaps room for 5 vehicles only.

As an alternative: Starting the walk at Bolventor, the Jamaica Inn has vehicle parking which is some 1.5 Km from the Moorgate which would add additional distance and time to this walk. (Walking from the Inn car park, follow the route out to the moor gate. Please follow the highway code when walking from the Inn.)
You will be walking through Moorland farmland including some fields, expect to see farm animals, treat them with respect, and keep dogs under control. Ensure ALL farm gates are secure after use.

Transport : There is no public transport access to the start of this walk.

Terrain :

  • River crossing (rivers on the moors are by virtue "rising rivers" and appear little more than a stream but can swell in spate)
  • Rock Scrambling

⚠️ Being prepared is important. Ensure that you are suitably equipped for this walk- Appropriate footwear and clothing. Do not rely on mobile devices for navigation ensure you have and are able to read a map and compass as a backup.
1. This route crosses many moorland streams which will become difficult to negotiate during wetter months.
2. This part of the moor is the catchment area for the river Fowey, which naturally can and will become boggy.
3. Never venture into the open moorland unless you are competent, and have appropriate clothing, and footwear.
4. DO NOT rely on mobile signals or batteries for navigation and route finding.
5. Furthermore, if you are a lone walk, let someone know where you intend to be.
6. This area is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) leaving no trace and taking only memories.

In the nearby area

  • Farm Animals
  • Wildlife
  • Moorland Bogs ( The birthplace of many rivers, a very delicate ecosystem)
  • Panoramic views (far-reaching views to the North Coast and other surrounding prominent landmarks)
  • At the end why not return to the Historic and Famous, Jamacia Inn, check out the museum and the history therein, along with a welcomed drink (drink sensibly)

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