A9 The Caradon Mining District

Situated on Bodmin Moor, the Caradon Mining District is one of the more remote, quieter areas within the World Heritage Site. While there is no large settlement within the district, nearby Liskeard was built on the boom in the copper mines around Minions, Caradon Hill and Pensilva, and offers a range of facilities. 

Being less visited than some, this area provides an opportunity to experience how remote and wild the mining landscape could be. While not including the picture postcard views of the clifftop mines of the St Just or St Agnes Districts, the stark moorland of the Caradon Mining District has an attraction all of its own and the views from Caradon Hill show how communities grew up around successful mines. A visit to Liskeard, whose imposing and grand buildings were built on the boom, contrasts with the mining settlements and cottages of Minions, Pensilva or Crow’s Nest.

Always check the weather before visiting and bear in mind that rain can affect surfaces and conditions underfoot. This is an open and wild moorland landscape, with sheep likely to be your companions. Surfaces across this Area are loose and uneven, with ruts, lumps and bumps. 

While there are no steps, gates or stiles the paths around Caradon Hill with uneven surfaces and some steep sections are only really suitable for strong walkers and off-road wheelchairs or trampers. The lack of seats also means that there are no resting opportunities if you have limited strength or stamina.