Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
BODMIN MOOR
East of Bodmin, the scenery really starts to get wild and windswept. The main A30 slices
right through the centre of the moor, while the A39 borders the moor to the north, and the
A38 frames it to the south. Each section of the moor has a slightly different feel: the north-
ern and central sections are largely barren and treeless, with the scenery broken only by
shattered tors. The southern section gets greener the further south you go, with woodland
and river valleys tumbling down from the higher slopes.
The bus schedule is pretty much non-existent on Bodmin Moor, so you'll really need
your own car to explore.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Camelford & the Northern Moor
The nearest town to the northern reaches of the moor is Camelford, which is said by some
to have King Arthur connections - mainly due to the similarity of its name with Camelot
(Arthur's mythical castle) and Camlann (the site of his epic final battle). In fact, the name
probably derives from 'cam-hayle', meaning curving river.
The town's a quiet place these days, but it makes a useful base for beginning the trek to
Rough Tor
and
Brown Willy
, Cornwall's highest hill. Despite its saucy name - a perennial
source of amusement for Cornish schoolkids - Brown Willy is actually a corruption of
bronn wennili
, Cornish for 'hill of swallows'.
The best route starts from the car park at Poldue Downs, 3 miles south of Camelford.
Activities
Hallagenna Riding
( 01208-851500;
www.hallagenna.co.uk
;
St Breward; per hr £20)
One of the best ways to see the moor is
from the saddle. This well-established riding stables offers hacks and treks from £20 per
hour, plus a 3-hour expedition including a pub stop and lunch at the Blisland Inn (£60).
HORSE RIDING
Sleeping
