Tregargus Valley

The valley cuts deep through Cornwall's mid-county landscape, all wooded slopes and water-carved stone that feels properly remote despite being just outside St Stephen. You're looking at a genuine slice of the region's industrial past - this is where tin and copper extraction shaped the land, leaving behind the sort of terrain that makes you understand why people were willing to dig this hard for anything of value.

The walk itself follows the valley floor, with streams running through and old workings visible if you know what to look for. It's not a manicured tourist trail - more a proper ramble through genuine countryside where the history is written into the landscape itself rather than bolted onto a visitor centre. Good for walkers who want something real rather than packaged, and the sort of place that appeals to people interested in industrial archaeology without needing to read a single plaque.

Allow a couple of hours if you're taking it slowly and poking around. The valley's steep enough that it's not a stroll, but nothing requiring serious kit either. Coming in autumn or late spring means fewer people and the light through the trees is rather good for photography.

Stay at Tremarne Campsite just 1.2 miles away for straightforward access, or push slightly further to Resparva House Touring Park if you want something with more facilities. The valley works well as a half-day adventure before or after exploring the broader park holiday options scattered across this part of mid-Cornwall.