This week’s hidden gem on my daily walk comes thanks to David Ambler.

The village of Herodsfoot is literally hidden in a steep valley, and worth discovering for its interesting history and tranquil, sheltered surroundings.

This walk is one that can be a flat level stroll of short duration, or a longer walk to include some steep valley climbs. There are opportunities to choose a circular route, or double back to suit your time and fitness. It is also possible to follow the whole of the West Looe river to Watergate and Looe.

Herodsfoot doesn’t offer a lot of places to park, but it is a village that is worth spending some time exploring; the names on the cottages give clues to the riches dug from the hills in the past, while the gentle flowing streams, combined with the tall green woods, give a refreshing feel to this hidden gem of a community in South East Cornwall. The charming church is tucked away on the hillside, and hopefully will be open for worship again soon.

Behind the village lies the site of a gun powder factory, and it is worth reading the history of Herodsfoot before exploring Cornwall’s only thankful village. Armed with a little knowledge of the village, helps the explorer reveal the tales and voices from the past, which echo in the countryside and buildings around. Chimneys on the hills, and hidden engine houses provide the other bits of the mining jigsaw that made Herodsfoot a once busy and thriving village in South East Cornwall.

If you are bringing the car, there are some places to park just south of Herodsfoot by Pendruffle Wood, Churchbridge, or if you don’t mind a climb, Duloe or Pelynt. Footpaths and lanes criss-cross their way around and over this part of the West Looe river, and it is relatively easy to pick a route from a map, which suits all levels of fitness.

For a gentle walk, follow the river from Pendruffle wood, down to Churchbridge and into Tremardett wood. The path is level, wide, and easy on foot or a bike that is suitable for gravel, mildly stony tracks. The river drops away more than the path climbs, and while paths lead down to some crossing points and places to enjoy the river, do keep an eye on your dogs or young children while walking, as there are a few relatively steep drops along the route. Locations to stop and snack are plentiful, while the opportunity to tire young legs, which wish to run, are offered by a few open spaces along the route.

Rich in flora, it is worth keeping an eye on the ground as much as the trees around. Wild strawberries, blackberries all grow among the many plants and trees. Passing the beautiful hamlet of Churchbridge is an enjoyable experience, while you may wish to cross the river, either using the bridge, or by fording the river before the managed forestry land.

Further down the river, and off the road, a lovely stone bridge, designed for carts going between Duloe and Lanreath is a wonderful feature to study, with its two arches as eyes, and middle pier as a nose, creating the image of a monsters head appearing from the river bed below.

From this imaginative location, the walker has a choice to either carry on down the river to West Looe, turn back, or brave the steep valley sides up towards either Lanreath, Pelynt or Duloe. Entering either of the villages will allow a circular route back to Herodsfoot.

A very enjoyable walk, which can consume a day, or make a relaxing lunch time break.

Do you want to take part in ’Hidden gems on my daily walk?’

We’d love to hear from you wherever you are in South East Cornwall, and we hope your descriptions will provide inspiration not only for people in your town or village - but for readers all over the district.

If you’re self-isolating at the moment and unable to get out for walks, you’re not excluded: do send us photos from your favourite spots in South East Cornwall or beyond.

How to take part:

Send your photo(s) to [email protected]">[email protected] or to The Cornish Times by direct private Facebook message.

Include your name, where you live, and a description of your chosen ’hidden gem’, telling people why it’s such a special place.

We hope to publish reader contributions online and in the print paper.