Back to East Cornwall & Bodmin Moor walks
Ancient riverside woodland, a medieval granite bridge and the grassy ramparts of an Iron Age hillfort with sweeping views over the Lynher valley.
Cadson Bury is an Iron Age hillfort crowning a steep, rounded hill above the River Lynher, a couple of miles south-west of Callington. Its single bank and ditch enclose around 6 acres, and from the ramparts there are wide views over the Lynher valley and the surrounding countryside.
This short circular walk from the National Trust car park at Newbridge follows the river through ancient woodland – part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest where dippers, otters and dormice live – before climbing to the fort and dropping back down through the woods. It is short, but the climb and the steps make it feel more.
Walk at a glance
- Distance
- Just over 2 miles (about 1½ hrs)
- Grade
- Moderate – short but with a steep climb to the fort and many steps on the descent
- Map
- OS Explorer 108 – Lower Tamar Valley & Plymouth
- Start
- National Trust Cadsonbury car park, Newbridge, near Callington PL17 7HL
- Terrain
- Riverside woodland paths, a steep grassy field, narrow worn tracks and woodland steps – muddy after rain
Parking
One small National Trust car park beside the River Lynher, reached by a narrow lane on the Liskeard side of Newbridge, off the A390 about 2 miles south-west of Callington (postcode PL17 7HL). Spaces are limited: if it is full, please come back later rather than parking on the lanes. No overnight parking.
Facilities
There are no facilities at Cadson Bury. The nearest public toilets, cafés and pubs are in Callington.
Disabled access
This walk is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs: the National Trust notes steps and uneven ground throughout, the climb to the hillfort is steep, and there are kissing gates, a stile and a long flight of woodland steps on the way down. People with limited mobility can still enjoy the level stretch of path beside the River Lynher from the car park, though it can be muddy and may flood after heavy rain. There is no Blue Badge parking or accessible toilet on site.
The route
Into the Lynher woods
From the car park go through the kissing gate into the woods and follow the path downstream with the River Lynher on your left. Look out for hummocks, pits and old walls beside the river – the remains of early tin streaming.
Along the river
When you meet the tarmac lane, turn left and then take the next path on the left back down towards the river (look for the private fishing signs). Follow this riverside path until it bends right away from the water and brings you back up to the lane, then turn right. In wet weather the riverside path can be flooded – if so, simply use the lane.
Up to Cadson Bury
Go through the kissing gate into the field (look for the National Trust sign) and climb steadily beside the fence towards the fort. The ditch and bank of the ramparts appear on your left as you approach the western entrance.
Around the ramparts
Take time to walk the ramparts. The fort has two entrances facing each other on the east and west sides; the eastern one is the more clearly defined. The views over the valley show why the hilltop was chosen.
Down through the woods
Leave the fort by the eastern entrance and follow the narrow, worn track along the embankment to a stile, then descend through the woodland on a long series of steps (take care when wet). At the bottom, turn left along the lane back to the car park.
All information is given in good faith and for guidance only. Always carry the OS map and check the South West Coast Path website for diversions.
Highlights along the way
Cadson Bury hillfort
A scheduled Iron Age hillfort cared for by the National Trust, with a single bank and ditch around the hilltop.
Newbridge
A granite bridge over the Lynher first recorded in 1478, widened in the 1870s; Charles I crossed it in 1644.
The Lynher valley woods
Semi-natural riverside woodland, part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest, with dippers and otters on the river.
Tin streaming remains
Pits, dumps and walls beside the river left by the ancient industry of streaming tin from the valley gravels.
Nearby
Towns & villages
Photos
Where the walk starts
The marker shows the start of the walk.
Before you set out
Carry the OS map – paths and signs can change and mobile signal is patchy.
Check the weather and tide times before you set out.
Keep to the path and well back from cliff edges.
Keep dogs under close control near livestock and cliffs.