Herodsfoot brings together a shared wartime remembrance, traces of early industry and opportunities for walking. The village is one of only 13 “Thankful Villages” in the United Kingdom and was the site of the East Cornwall Gunpowder Mills. Preserved remains of a Roman road, woodland habitats and a walk from Liskeard to Looe that includes Herodsfoot and the West Looe Valley complete the picture. This lets you consider local history and walking plans as two distinct focuses for a stay.

Remembrance and industrial history

The term “Thankful Village” refers to the fact that all the villagers who served in the armed forces during the First or Second World War returned safely. Herodsfoot is one of only 13 places in the United Kingdom with this designation.

Herodsfoot was the site of the East Cornwall Gunpowder Mills. They supplied blasting powder to mines in what is now the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site. On the slopes of Herodsfoot, the chimneys of former engine houses are visible above the shafts. This gives a sense of the area’s former industrial role through both the supply of gunpowder and surviving structural remains.

Remains of a Roman road have also been preserved in Herodsfoot. They add another historical trace to the village’s story.

Valley, woodland and habitats

All Saints Herodsfoot Church stands on the steep slopes of the valley that descends towards the village and the West Looe River. Its location is therefore closely connected to the valley and the river.

Large areas of the Herodsfoot Forest Plan area are freely accessible; several public rights of way also run through the woodland. The forest area provides habitats for dormice, birds of prey and otters. The access and rights-of-way information is useful for planning, while the habitats show another side of the area.

Walks and return journey

An 11-mile walk from Liskeard to Looe includes Herodsfoot and the West Looe Valley. After the walk, you can return to Liskeard from Looe by train or bus. Check the timetables for the day of your walk.

A 2020 walking report describes a short, level stroll near Herodsfoot or a longer route with steep climbs through the valley. As trail conditions can change, check the specific conditions before your walk. The details differ in scope: the 11-mile walk from Liskeard to Looe includes Herodsfoot, while the report describes walking options near Herodsfoot.

Two different details are useful when planning a walk: in the woodland area, freely accessible sections and public rights of way are relevant; for the walk from Liskeard to Looe, the route and the option of returning from Looe are part of the planning.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Launcells, Millbrook, Penzance, Tywardreath, Pentewan, Bodinnick, Sennen, Constantine

For the main travel overview: Cornwall.