Truro is a beautiful city in Cornwall, England, full of interesting places to explore. From historical gardens and trails to nature reserves, the city has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a more challenging hike, there are plenty of great walks to choose from.
I’ve rounded up the 15 best walks in Truro to help you discover the beauty of this amazing city. From the Royal Cornwall Showground to the River Allen, there are plenty of scenic walks with stunning views. You can also explore the Malpas Estuary, take a walk along the Truro River Trail, or visit the Trelissick Garden.
There’s also the Old Railway Line, Chacewater Woods, and Kenwyn Church Trail. No matter what kind of walk you’re looking for, you’re sure to find something special in Truro.
Victoria Gardens
Victoria Gardens is a stunningly picturesque spot, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a romantic walk.
Spanning six acres, the gardens are located at the heart of Truro’s historical district and feature a variety of attractions, including a children’s playground, a tranquil pond, ornamental flower beds, and beautiful trees.
A popular destination for couples and families alike, the gardens provide the perfect setting for a leisurely afternoon, with plenty of benches and picnic tables for those who want to take a break and relax.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful place to read, admire the flowers, or simply take in the view, Victoria Gardens has something for everyone.
The Royal Cornwall Showground
You’ll love taking a stroll around the Royal Cornwall Showground! It’s a great place to get out and enjoy the fresh air.
Situated next to the River Fal, this 175-acre showground is a beautiful place to explore with its lush greenery, rolling hills, and spectacular views.
On any given day, you can find visitors walking the paths, taking in the sights, and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.
The showground is also home to a variety of animals, including sheep, horses, and cows. You’ll also find a lake, which is great for a relaxing picnic or a leisurely stroll.
There are plenty of benches and picnic tables around the grounds, so you can always take a break from your walk to enjoy the views.
The Royal Cornwall Showground also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, so you may even get the chance to catch one while you’re there!
No matter what you choose to do, you’re sure to have a wonderful time exploring the Royal Cornwall Showground.
The River Allen
Take a refreshing walk along the River Allen and enjoy its stunning views. This river is located in the heart of Truro and flows through the city, making it a great spot for a leisurely stroll.
Along the way, you’ll get to take in the beautiful landscape, as the river winds through rolling hills and lush fields. The area is also home to a variety of animals, so be sure to keep an eye out for birds, rabbits, and other wildlife.
As you make your way along the river, you’ll find plenty of places to stop and take in the views. The banks of the river are lined with trees, providing plenty of shade for those hot summer days. You can also find plenty of spots to picnic or just sit and watch the river flow by.
The River Allen is the perfect spot to relax and take in the beauty of Truro.
Malpas Estuary
Just a short drive away, the Malpas Estuary offers an idyllic landscape of rolling hills and lush fields, perfect for taking in the beauty of the surrounding area.
From the estuary, you can see the full breadth of Truro and its surrounding areas, including the nearby River Allen.
The estuary provides a great spot for a peaceful stroll or a leisurely picnic with friends and family.
The paths here are well maintained and there is plenty of space to relax and soak up the stunning views.
The nearby woodland is also home to a variety of wildlife, making it an ideal spot to observe birds and other animals.
There are also plenty of opportunities to try your hand at fishing, kayaking, or sailing.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful walk, a chance to observe wildlife, or a spot to picnic, the Malpas Estuary is the perfect destination.
Truro River Trail
Experience stunning views of the Truro River while you meander along the Truro River Trail, offering a tranquil journey through the beauty of the surrounding countryside.
This scenic route follows the river closely, with plenty of opportunity to observe the wildlife and vegetation along the way.
The wide, flat path is great for walking, running, cycling, and rollerblading, and is suitable for all ages.
You’ll be treated to incredible views of the river from the path, as well as from the bridges that span the river.
The trail also passes by historic sites, such as the old castle ruins, which provide a fascinating look into the past.
As you make your way along the trail, you’ll be amazed by the stunning beauty of the area and the abundance of wildlife.
The Truro River Trail is an ideal spot for a peaceful walk or a more active adventure, offering a unique opportunity to explore the natural beauty of Truro.
The River Fal
Floating down the River Fal, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of the countryside and its wildlife.
The River Fal is a great spot for a leisurely afternoon of paddling, with plenty of places to stop and explore along the way.
With its winding paths, calm waters, and abundance of wildlife, the River Fal is an ideal spot for nature lovers.
Along the banks, you may spot some of the local otters, kingfishers, and perhaps even an osprey.
Further along the river, you can explore the ancient ruins of Trelissick Castle and the surrounding gardens.
The view from the castle is absolutely breathtaking, and it’s a great spot to take a break and enjoy a picnic.
The River Fal is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and enjoy the beauty of the Cornish countryside.
The Coast at Portreath
Take a stroll along the stunning coastline at Portreath and marvel at the rugged beauty of the Cornish countryside. With its rocky coves and secluded beaches, this coastal path is a walker’s paradise.
As you take in the magnificent views of the crashing Atlantic waves, the sight of the evergreen forests carpeting the hillsides is a sight to behold. The path itself is mostly level and easy to navigate, and the wildflowers that grow alongside the path add a splash of color to the scenery.
The beach at Portreath is also not to be missed, with its soft, golden sands and crystal-clear waters. It’s the perfect spot for a picnic, or if you’re feeling adventurous, you can explore the rock pools and caves that dot the shoreline.
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or an invigorating hike, Portreath’s coast is sure to provide a memorable experience.
Carnon Downs
Leaving the coastal town of Portreath, I headed inland to Carnon Downs, a beautiful rural area near Truro. The journey takes me through the rolling hills of Cornwall, and I’m already in awe of the natural beauty of the landscape.
On arrival, I’m immediately captivated by the area’s peaceful atmosphere and abundance of wildlife. From the birds singing to the rabbits hopping around, I’m surrounded by the calming sights and sounds of nature.
The area has plenty of walking trails to explore, and I’m eager to discover what Carnon Downs has to offer. The trails are easy to follow, and I found myself in a variety of different landscapes, from woodlands to grassy meadows.
Along the way, I took in the stunning views of the surrounding countryside and felt truly at peace. I even found a few hidden gems, like a small lake surrounded by tall trees and a picturesque waterfall. It was the perfect way to spend an afternoon in the area and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a peaceful and tranquil walk in Truro.
The Roseland Peninsula
Continuing my exploration of Cornwall, I ventured to the Roseland Peninsula, a stunning area known for its rolling hills, dramatic coastline, and quaint villages.
I was particularly keen to take in the beautiful scenery of this special place, and it didn’t disappoint. The incredible vistas of the ocean and the countryside were a sight to behold, and the views from the top of the hills were spectacular.
The Roseland Peninsula is also a great place to explore on foot, with its many hiking trails and coastal paths. I was also lucky enough to explore some of the picturesque villages, with their charming stone houses and winding lanes.
It was a great way to get to know this wonderful part of the world and its unique local culture.
St Agnes to Perranporth
Venturing from St Agnes to Perranporth, you’ll be treated to a stunning array of wild coastal scenery, from white sand beaches to rugged cliffs.
Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for the seabirds that inhabit the area. From razorbills and guillemots to cormorants and kittiwakes, you’ll be able to observe these majestic creatures up close and personal.
The route takes you along a rugged cliff-top path, with magnificent views of the ocean.
As you go, you’ll pass through quaint fishing villages, and find yourself surrounded by wild flowers, with the sound of birdsong in the air.
The trail culminates in the beautiful beach of Perranporth, its golden sands awaiting you.
This is a magical walk that will stay with you long after you’ve returned home.
Stithians Reservoir
Heading from Perranporth, you’ll soon come across Stithians Reservoir, a tranquil lake surrounded by lush countryside.
The reservoir covers a total of 200 acres of land, and provides a stunning view of the local area. Its picturesque lake is the perfect spot to stop and take in the beauty of the area, and it’s a great place to spend some time on a relaxing walk.
The trails wind through the countryside, with plenty of scenic views and photo opportunities. The terrain is mostly flat, making it a great walk for all ages and abilities.
The path also takes you past the Stithians Dam, which was built in the 1930s and is now a Grade II listed structure.
With its stunning views, tranquil lake, and historical landmarks, Stithians Reservoir is a must-see spot for anyone looking for a great walk in the Truro area.
The National Trust’s Trelissick Garden
Just a short drive away lies the National Trust’s Trelissick Garden, a spectacular display of lush green foliage and stunning landscaping.
The garden is situated in a beautiful setting overlooking the River Fal and the rolling Cornish countryside.
It features a wide variety of plants, including trees, shrubs, and flowers, which are well-maintained and arranged in a picturesque manner.
The garden is also home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, butterflies, and mammals.
There are several walking trails which wind through the garden, with each providing a unique experience.
The trails vary in difficulty, with some being designed for those who wish to take a leisurely stroll and others for those looking for a more challenging hike.
There are also plenty of benches and picnic spots along the way, allowing visitors to take a break and soak up the beauty of the garden.
Visitors can also enjoy a variety of activities, such as exploring the estate, cycling, and water-based activities on the lake.
The National Trust’s Trelissick Garden is a must-see attraction for those looking to explore the beauty of Truro.
The Old Railway Line
Exploring the Old Railway Line near Truro is a great way to get outdoors and experience the beauty of Cornwall.
This 6-mile walk follows the course of the old railway line from Truro to Falmouth. It takes you through the beautiful countryside of the Roseland Peninsula.
The trail follows the path of the Royal Albert Railway, built in the 19th century. It was once the main link between Truro and Falmouth.
The trail is easy to follow and is full of interesting places to explore. These include old train stations, tunnels, and viaducts.
The views along the way are spectacular, with glimpses of the sea and the surrounding area.
As you approach the end of the walk, you can take a break and enjoy a picnic at the Falmouth docks.
This is a great way to enjoy a leisurely stroll and take in the breathtaking scenery of Cornwall.
Chacewater Woods
After exploring the Old Railway Line, I moved on to the next walk on my list, Chacewater Woods.
This peaceful wooded area is located in the centre of Truro and offers visitors a chance to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The woods are home to a variety of wildlife, including woodpeckers, foxes, badgers, and deer.
The paths are well-marked and well-maintained, making it easy to explore the trails.
The views along the paths are magnificent. The trees sway in the breeze, the sun shines through the branches, and the birds sing their sweet songs. The sights, sounds, and smells of the woods are a delight to experience.
There are also plenty of benches to take a rest and admire the beauty of Chacewater Woods. With so many things to enjoy, it’s easy to see why this is one of the best walks in Truro.
Kenwyn Church Trail
Experience the serenity of Kenwyn Church Trail and take in the stunning views of the countryside. Nestled in the heart of Truro, this picturesque trail offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
With a mix of winding paths, lush green meadows, and ancient ruins, the Kenwyn Church Trail is sure to delight the senses. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to take in the beauty of the surrounding countryside, including a breathtaking view of the Truro Cathedral from the top of the hill.
As you make your way around the trail, keep an eye out for the remains of a medieval church, which stands as a reminder of the area’s long and rich history. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing stroll or a more challenging hike, the Kenwyn Church Trail provides something for everyone.
Enjoy the fresh air, take in the beauty of the natural landscape, and bask in the peaceful atmosphere of this stunning trail.
Conclusion
Wrapping up my list of the top 15 best walks in Truro is a great feeling of accomplishment.
I’ve explored some of the most scenic and unique routes the city has to offer.
From the Victoria Gardens to the Malpas Estuary, each walk had something special to offer.
I’m excited to take future walks and discover even more hidden gems.
I’m sure there’s more to explore in Truro, and I can’t wait to get out there and find it!
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful stroll or an exciting hike, Truro’s got something for everyone.
So get out there and explore!