My favourite place to walk in Cornwall is Kennall Vale in Ponsanooth. Tucked away at the back of the village, this beautiful woodland site used to be home to a gunpowder mill supplying Cornwall’s mining industry and the fascinating remnants are still there to see as you walk.

The woodland is really lush and green. Lots of mosses and ferns grow in the still, damp air and a magical river runs through the trees with a series of mini waterfalls cascading down the valley. It always feels really tranquil and I love the wonderful glimpses into Cornwall’s past you get as the disused buildings and machinery poke out from under blankets of moss here and there. Some of the old buildings even have trees growing out of the cracks and steps can hardly be distinguished from tree roots.

It’s a great place to take dogs and children and the best time to go is on a very wet day when all the riverways are overflowing and the banks look fit to burst. During the winter, the mossy walls of the old mill are covered in icicles – perfect for snapping off and playing a friendly jousting tournament with!

TiYK Top Tip! Be sure to take wellies or good walking boots. There are lots of steep steps so it is not suitable for the elderly or pushchairs.

Image courtesy of cdbdi on Flickr