Hayle Bird Sanctuary, around the Carnsew Pool, and the Mill Pond

The Hayle Estuary Nature Reserve offers the opportunity to see migratory birds, and is also a starting point for a reasonably level walk, with estuary views. Walking around Carnsew Pool, an amazing piece of Victorian engineering, which helps keep the Hayle harbour from silting up. Then, through a part of the town to the Mill pond, with old ruins to explore, and the pond. The walk then leads through a memorial garden, a high point at Hayle, which was an Iron Age Hill Fort, before leading back to the start.

Details

88149834
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 5.05 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 1h 30 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 13 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 16 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 16 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1 m

Photos

Description of the walk

(S/E) Head to the Causeway, crossing the road to the adjacent pavement. Head northeast along the pavement, past the commercial building, turn left.

(1) Head northwest out between the pool and tidal estuary, the route follows around to a wider walkway, then turns left to the end of the jetty. Alternatively, turn right along the bank of Carnsew Pool. This will lead to the locks, at which point the app may suggest right to (2), which will miss out the views from the end of the jetty. Turning left, this is a there-and-then back section. At the end of the jetty, retrace your the route, bearing southeast past the superstore.

(2) Cross the main road at the pedestrian crossing, head southeast, under the viaduct, past the Heritage Centre, into Foundry Square, past the White Hart Hotel, on the left. Turn left next to the Pasty shop, that is, if you can get past the Pasty shop, without getting one - recommended though. On the right is an old high wall; follow it around to the entrance. Walking through the play area to a path leading upstream, with Mill Pond appearing on the right.

(3) As the pond ends, and the path splits, turn right onto the lane, known as Mill Pond Avenue. Continue and handrail the pond, which is on the right. At Foundry Hill Lane, turn left, then right into Foundry Lane, following it around to Plantation Lane, continue heading in a northerly direction. On the right, a track leads up and over the main railway line; follow it, and it will lead into 'The Plantation'. The Plantation has many paths to explore, as with this route, giving a choice to go directly to (4).

(4) The route leaves the mound, Plantation, through an arch, see plaque in the wall, to a footpath parallel with the main road, following the footpath, southwest, back to (E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 3 m - Entrance to Bird Sanctuary Car Park
  2. 1 : km 0.46 - alt. 3 m - Carnsew Pool
  3. 2 : km 2.91 - alt. 3 m - Road Crossing
  4. 3 : km 3.44 - alt. 7 m - Millpond Path
  5. 4 : km 4.18 - alt. 12 m - The Plantation
  6. S/E : km 5.05 - alt. 3 m - Entrance to Bird Santuary Car Park

Notes

Before the walk

  • Ensure the walk matches your needs, skills, and abilities.
  • Check the weather forecast; check tide times if applicable.
  • Be prepared with suitable clothing and footwear.
  • Consider something to eat, and always keep hydrated; take a drink.
  • Use the Visorando app, download the walk to your mobile. Consider a battery backup and or a printed route.
  • Let someone know where you are. The app has a share route function, ‘Share my Location’.
  1. Parking: Vehicle parking - There is an off-road car parking area along the track towards the bird sanctuary.
  2. Timing: The time taken is estimated, to allow extra time, when appropriate, for exploring and personal pace.
  3. Accessibility: This route has been assigned "Easy" due to reasonable footpaths and the distance.
  4. Refreshments: There is a local Public House/eatery at Griggs Quay.

Start: This walk's starting point, by the bird sanctuary car park- W3W >>>

During the walk

  • The Route: Where applicable, keep to the defined paths.
  • Leave no trace: leave only footprints, but take away great memories.
  • Dogs: Keep dogs under control, and leave no trace; bag it and bin it, don't sling it.
  • Note: Ensure to follow the Highway Code.

Report any findings; see app ' ! '.

Worth a visit

  1. Hayle Museum, and find out about the past
  2. The Plantation - Iron Age Hill Fort and Memorial Garden
  3. The Siege Canon
  4. The St Erth to St Ives scenic train ride

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The GPS track and description are the property of this route's author. Please do not copy them without permission.