Kennall Vale

Industrial ruins slowly being reclaimed by nature make Kennall Vale one of Cornwall's most atmospheric nature reserves. The skeletal remains of nineteenth-century gunpowder mills stand like ancient monuments along a wooded valley floor, with moss-covered walls and rusted machinery creating an almost mystical landscape.

Wanderers and photographers will find plenty to captivate them here. The woodland paths wind between the old mill buildings, where you can still make out the distinctive circular structures once used for grinding gunpowder. It's a proper adventure for older children who enjoy exploring, though the uneven terrain and crumbling stonework mean it's not suitable for pushchairs.

Location-wise, you're about ten minutes' drive from Truro, making it an easy detour if you're staying at nearby spots like Carnon Downs or Lanyon Holiday Park. The reserve feels wonderfully remote despite being so accessible - you might not see another soul during your visit.

Allow at least an hour to explore properly, though keen walkers could easily spend half a day here following the various trails. The mix of industrial archaeology and wild Cornish countryside creates something genuinely special. Just wear decent walking boots - those old mill foundations can be slippery after rain.