Another in our occasional series of local footpath walks:

This walk is a bit of an enigma, which is why I have decided to write about it; perhaps a South Hill Connection reader will be able to fill in the gaps.

As you come down the hill from Bearland into Trevigro you start this walk from a spot just to the right of the village bench.  There are both a directions signpost and public footpath sign.

You climb up the bank and over a style into a large open meadow which is bisected by stock fences, the first of which you have to clamber through, as the path crosses the field diagonally, taking you to a second style. The field you have just crossed is an ancient relict of our medieval past and used to be cultivated in feudal strips. The tithe map shows this field was still farmed by multiple users in 1841 and was then known by the charming name of Many Meadows. This form of agricultural cultivation is still much in evidence all over our Parish although it is now very rare elsewhere!

You may need wellington boots for the next short section of path. The Bog, as it is known hereabouts is a very muddy patch of land which acts as a drain into a tributary of the Lynher. In early spring look out for the fluffy flowers of the Pussy Willow, which loves this watery environment.  In the far right corner you cross over the wall into Trenavin Meadow and take a straight path directly across the field to the hamlet of Trewolland.  In early spring the banks of this field are full of snowdrops and in later spring has a carpet of Ladies Smock. Watch out for the resident horses of Trenavin Farm, who can be a bit curious, (but mostly shy).

Walk uphill (turn right) on the lane from Trewolland to Trenavin and at the top of the hill you will see a path made of concrete continues uphill beside New Gardens Nursery and leads you past the back of Trenavin House. Take the wooden picket gate into the field. This is a very large field, usually cultivated with cattle fodder or used for grazing. You get a marvellous panoramic view of the Lynher Valley so stop to take in the view as you walk in a straight line across the middle of the field.  The route of the path is usually obvious as the farmer will leave an uncultivated strip for you to walk along. At the other side of the field you should come to a little gap in the hedge by some holly bushes and now take some steep steps down the bank onto the road.

Take the road upward (right) (it’s quite steep) for a few yards until you come to a footpath sign on your left.

Now you get to the enigma. I have walked across the next two fields but never succeeded in finding the way out to Penwarden at the other end!

Dear reader, please advise……
Kate Thomas

Continued following extensive research by dedicated walkers:

The footpath to Penwarden crosses the bottom of a narrow field (called Ryelands), Through a metal gate into Penwarden Meadow.  Go diagonally right across this field to the top hedge and gate. (you will meet some beautiful horses).  Keep the hedge on your right, and you will see a metal gate at the entrance to a track ahead (very muddy in places on this day in March).

Go down the track to a stable yard, and out through the gate into the road opposite Penwarden Cottage.

We then took the road downhill to Bicton Bridge, turned right and took the footpath along the river Lynher to Kerney Bridge, then right to Golberdon and home.