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Caradon Hill

4.7
·17 reviews·, United Kingdom

Explore the dramatic ruins of a 19th-century copper mining hub on Bodmin Moor, offering breathtaking panoramic views and a journey through history.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Best chance for clear views

CrowdLow
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Caradon Hill - Image 1

Caradon Hill

Best Time

Summer mornings

Best chance for clear views

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the dramatic ruins of a 19th-century copper mining hub on Bodmin Moor, offering breathtaking panoramic views and a journey through history.

4.7
(17 reviews)

"This place totally rocks if you like wide open spaces with lots of history and fab views."

Vertical photo
TIP

Pack for All Weathers 🌦️

Sudden storms are common. Bring waterproofs and layers, even on a sunny day!

Wear Sturdy Footwear 🥾

The terrain is uneven with mining remnants. Good walking boots are a must for safety and comfort.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Views

Panoramic Views

Summit

Witness breathtaking vistas stretching across Bodmin Moor, Saint Austell Bay, Dartmoor, and even GCHQ Bude.

Mining Heritage Ruins

Mining Heritage Ruins

Various locations on the hill

Explore the evocative ruins of 19th-century copper mines and engine houses, whispering tales of Cornwall's industrial past.

Trig Point Summit

Trig Point Summit

Highest point of Caradon Hill

Reach the trig point for a sense of accomplishment and an even wider perspective of the surrounding Cornish landscape.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Elements

Caradon Hill is exposed moorland. Be prepared for rapidly changing weather, including sudden thunderstorms and hail, even on sunny days. Sturdy walking boots are essential for navigating uneven terrain and historical mining sites.

History Beneath Your Feet

This area is a significant part of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site. Explore the remnants of copper mines and engine houses, and consider bringing a guide or doing some research beforehand to fully appreciate the historical context.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Best chance for clear views
Crowd
Low
When
Late spring afternoons
Why
Wildflowers and milder weather
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

This is where the fun begins 🐴 Stunning views at Caradon Hill Bodmin Moor More month’s to go after I can do the horse riding 🏇
miles_hosband49
5 likes • 295 views

Pack for All Weathers 🌦️

Sudden storms are common. Bring waterproofs and layers, even on a sunny day! Instagram

Wear Sturdy Footwear 🥾

The terrain is uneven with mining remnants. Good walking boots are a must for safety and comfort. Reddit

I said it will be fine to walk over Caradon hill, Bodmin moor.
ashburtonrealantiques
33 likes • 1.6K views
Caradon Hill Mining Heritage - located at Crows Nest, just outside Liskeard. This site is one of ten areas in the region that make up the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site.
northcornwallrocks
43 likes • 3.8K views

Mineral Hunting Fun 💎

Great spot for mineral enthusiasts due to rich copper ore. Bring your tools if you're keen! Reddit

Cycle-Friendly Tracks 🚴

Plenty of semi-off-road tracks perfect for biking adventures. Reddit

Breakfast with a view. When the sun’s shining on a Saturday morning, it’s the perfect excuse to jump in the van and get outdoors to find a spot for breakfast. Last weekend we headed to Caradon Hill for bacon and egg rolls with uninterrupted views… views shared with only sheep and their lambs 🐑. 📍Caradon Hill, nr Minions, Bodmin Moor #travellingcouple #gooutdoors #campervantravel #Ukexplore #br...
waltswander
35 likes • 837 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Pack for All Weathers 🌦️

Sudden storms are common. Bring waterproofs and layers, even on a sunny day! Instagram

Wear Sturdy Footwear 🥾

The terrain is uneven with mining remnants. Good walking boots are a must for safety and comfort. Reddit

Mineral Hunting Fun 💎

Great spot for mineral enthusiasts due to rich copper ore. Bring your tools if you're keen! Reddit

Cycle-Friendly Tracks 🚴

Plenty of semi-off-road tracks perfect for biking adventures. Reddit

History Buff's Delight 📜

Immerse yourself in the remnants of Cornwall's copper boom. InstagramReddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(17 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Caradon Hill for its absolutely stunning, far-reaching views and its rich historical mining landscape. Many highlight the sense of hiking through history and the expansive, wild beauty of the moorland. It's considered a must-visit for those who appreciate open spaces and a tangible connection to Cornwall's industrial past.

"Stunning views from up here. In one spot you can see across Saint Austell bay, Bodmin Moor, Plymouth, Dartmoor and up to GCHQ Bude on the north coast."

Paul Palmer

"Wow. A beautiful place to hike. Long walks through old mines, hills and valleys. It feels like you're hiking through history. Such amazing views."

Kristin Wieland

"Amazing place. Moor stunning. Wheel Tor pub nearby. New owners lovely pub must visit. Views stunning."

Dai Phillips

What People Like

Stunning panoramic views
Rich mining history
Wild moorland beauty

What People Dislike

Changeable weather

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Caradon Hill is located near Minions on Bodmin Moor. Access is typically via car, with parking available near the summit or at designated points. Several walking routes lead up the hill, offering different perspectives of the mining landscape. InstagramReddit

Public transport options to the immediate vicinity of Caradon Hill are limited. It's best to check local bus routes to nearby villages like Liskeard or St Cleer and then consider a taxi or a longer walk. Instagram

Many visitors enjoy circular walks that take in the mining ruins and summit views. The area is also popular for cycling and horse riding. Instagram+2

The charming village of Minions is nearby, offering amenities and access to other parts of Bodmin Moor. The Wheel Tor pub is also a recommended stop for refreshments. Reddit

While there are access tracks, driving directly to the very summit is generally not advised or possible for most vehicles. Parking is available at lower elevations, followed by a walk to the top. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Caradon Hill is a natural landscape and part of Bodmin Moor, so there are no admission fees or tickets required to visit. Reddit

Caradon Hill is open to the public at all times, as it is an outdoor natural area. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment. Instagram

There isn't a dedicated visitor center directly on Caradon Hill. Information about the mining heritage can be found online or at local heritage sites in the wider Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape area. Instagram

Visitors are asked to respect the natural environment and historical sites. Stick to marked paths where possible and avoid disturbing wildlife or damaging ruins. Reddit

Yes, dogs are generally welcome on Caradon Hill, but they should be kept under control, especially around livestock like sheep and lambs. Instagram+1

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore the fascinating ruins of old copper mines, enjoy stunning panoramic views from the summit, go for hikes or bike rides, and even try mineral hunting. InstagramReddit+2

A short visit to the summit and nearby ruins can take 1-2 hours. For longer walks or cycling, you could easily spend half a day or more exploring the area. Instagram

Yes, Caradon Hill is great for families. Kids can enjoy exploring the open spaces, learning about history, and spotting wildlife. Ensure they have appropriate footwear and are supervised. Reddit

You might see sheep and lambs grazing on the moorland. Keep an eye out for various bird species and other moorland wildlife. Instagram+1

There are no facilities directly on Caradon Hill. You'll need to visit nearby villages like Minions or Liskeard for toilets, cafes, and pubs. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The panoramic views from the summit are spectacular, especially at sunrise or sunset. The mining ruins also offer unique, atmospheric shots. Instagram+1

Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Sunrise and sunset can be particularly dramatic. Instagram+1

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions. Instagram

The summit trig point offers the most expansive views. The areas around the engine houses and mine shafts also provide compelling photographic subjects. Instagram

Yes, the mining ruins are a key feature and offer fantastic photographic opportunities, showcasing the area's industrial history. Instagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Caradon Hill offers an exciting adventure for families. The open moorland is perfect for kids to run around and explore, and the historical mining ruins add an element of discovery and intrigue. It's a fantastic place to spark their imagination about Cornwall's past. Reddit

Key tips for families: Ensure everyone wears sturdy shoes, as the ground can be uneven and sometimes boggy. Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as there are no facilities on the hill. Keep a close eye on children, especially near any remaining mine shafts or steep drops. The chance to see sheep and lambs can also be a big hit! Instagram+1

🚶‍♀️ Hikers and Walkers

For hikers, Caradon Hill provides a rewarding experience with its stunning views and historical depth. Numerous walking routes crisscross the moorland, ranging from short strolls to longer circular hikes. The remnants of the mining industry offer a unique historical dimension to any walk. InstagramReddit

Recommendations for hikers: Consider a circular route that incorporates the summit trig point and explores some of the key mining ruins. The area is also popular for dog walking, so bring your canine companion along, ensuring they are kept under control. Be prepared for changeable weather, and always carry water and snacks. Instagram

🚴 Cyclists

Cyclists will find Caradon Hill to be a great destination, with a network of semi-off-road tracks suitable for mountain biking and gravel cycling. The varied terrain offers a good challenge, and the panoramic views provide excellent motivation. InstagramReddit

Cycling tips: Stick to the established tracks to avoid damaging the moorland and for a smoother ride. Be aware of other users, including walkers and horse riders. The area is particularly enjoyable on a dry day, but can become challenging when wet. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Copper Boom and Mining Heritage

Caradon Hill was once the heart of Cornwall's copper mining industry, particularly in the 19th century. The landscape is dotted with the evocative ruins of engine houses, mine shafts, and spoil heaps, remnants of a time when this area was alive with industrial activity. These structures are now a significant part of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site, recognized for their global importance. Exploring these sites offers a tangible connection to the past and the lives of the miners who worked here. InstagramReddit+2

Visitors can wander amongst the stone structures, imagining the steam engines that once powered the mines and the tramways that transported the ore. The ground itself can sparkle with minerals, a testament to the rich deposits that fueled the boom. It's a place where history is not just read about but felt and seen, reclaimed by the wild beauty of the moorland. InstagramReddit

When exploring the mining heritage, it's important to do so safely. Stick to designated paths where possible, and be aware of uneven ground and potential hazards around the old mine workings. The ruins are fragile, so admire them respectfully without climbing on them or disturbing the stonework. Instagram

Navigating the Moorland and Weather

Caradon Hill is an exposed moorland environment, meaning the weather can change dramatically and quickly. Visitors have reported experiencing everything from sunshine to hail and thunderstorms within a single visit. This unpredictability makes it crucial to be well-prepared. InstagramReddit

Essential gear includes sturdy, waterproof walking boots to handle the often boggy and uneven terrain, as well as waterproof and windproof outer layers. Even on a seemingly clear day, carrying extra layers is advisable. The open nature of the moor means there's little shelter, so dressing appropriately is key to a comfortable and safe experience. InstagramReddit

Beyond the weather, the moorland offers vast open spaces and a sense of wildness. While this is part of its charm, it also means navigation can be challenging if visibility is poor. Carrying a map and compass, or using a reliable GPS device, is recommended, especially if venturing off the most obvious paths. Instagram

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