A WALK through the remains of the UK’s most productive copper mines which employed thousands of people in Victorian times including brakemen who each scooted an individual loaded ore wagon down to Liskeard on the railway that forms much of the walk route.

The walk starts near the Minions Heritage Centre and follows the trackbed of the original Liskeard and Caradon railway down the Gonamena Incline to reach West Caradon Mine.

The route then crosses via Crow’s Nest to the other side of the Seaton Valley and follows tramways through the extensive remains of the South Caradon Mine to reach East Caradon Mine.

The return route is on the ‘new’ trackbed of the railway passing the engine houses of Wheal Jenkin on the way back to Minions.

Highlights include panoramic views across south east Cornwall; lots of mining heritage including engine houses, railways and viaducts; proper eccentric rural village where free range sheep join customers in the pub beer garden and yellow-and-blue minions figures adorn road signs and houses.

Dogs: There are no stiles on this route. On the moor, dogs on leads no more than 2m long between March 1 and July 31 (breeding period for ground-nesting birds).

Length: 5 miles/8 km

Steepness grade: 2 (easy-moderate)

Footwear: Walking boots; waterproof boots in winter; wellies or equivalent after heavy rain.