Herodsfoot: Forest, Valley and Unusual History

Herodsfoot is a small village in Cornwall with a notable connection to history and a forested setting. Anyone looking for a combination of historical traces, paths through a valley and peaceful experiences in nature for their holiday will find a range of options for planning their days here. The possibilities range from a short, level walk to a longer route with steep climbs.

Historical Traces in the Village

Herodsfoot is one of only 13 “Thankful Villages” in the United Kingdom. This designation refers to the fact that all the villagers who served in the armed forces during the First and Second World Wars returned home safely. This gives the village a special historical significance that sets it apart from many other destinations.

The area’s industrial history is also present in the landscape. On the slopes around Herodsfoot, the chimneys of former engine houses are visible above the shafts. Herodsfoot was also the site of the East Cornwall Gunpowder Mills. These supplied the mines in what is now the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site with blasting powder. Remains of a Roman road have also been preserved in Herodsfoot. Anyone interested in local history can connect different layers of history here.

Forest, Valley and Public Rights of Way

The Herodsfoot Forest Plan area consists of several woodland blocks covering a total of 294 hectares in Cornwall. Large parts of the area are freely accessible, and several public rights of way also run through the forest. The Forest Plan includes woodland habitats for dormice, birds of prey and otters. These details also make the woodland landscape interesting for travellers who do not want to fill their holiday exclusively with long walks.

All Saints Herodsfoot is situated on the steep slopes of the valley leading down towards the village and the West Looe River. The topography is therefore an important point for your planning: a walk near Herodsfoot can be a short, level stroll or a longer route with steep climbs through the valley. This allows you to adapt the day to your preferred distance and your own pace, without combining different types of landscape.

Herodsfoot for Planning Your Trip

If you are looking for a holiday apartment or holiday cottage in Herodsfoot, you can choose your accommodation according to how you want to structure your trip. For a relaxing day, the shorter, level walking option and the village’s historical features offer different focal points. Anyone planning a more active day of walking can consider the longer route through the valley or the 11-mile walking trail from Liskeard to Looe.

An 11-mile walking trail from Liskeard to Looe includes Herodsfoot and the West Looe Valley. After the walk, walkers can return to Liskeard from Looe by train or bus. This connection is particularly relevant if you are planning the route as a day trip and want to include the return journey in your travel plans. Accommodation in Herodsfoot can therefore be assessed above all according to the balance you want between forest, history and walking.

More Places for Your Plans

If you would like to look at more places, here is a concise selection: Praze-an-Beeble, Gerrans, Altarnun, St Germans, St Winnow, Penryn, Bude and Boyton.

For the overarching travel overview: Cornwall.