Looe – Giants Hedge walk review by David Hunt

This wonderful circular walk starts at the main Millpool car park in West Looe. At the top of the car park you enter Kilminorth Woods and follow a well defined path along the river bank until you reach the lovely hamlet of Watergate. This is a brilliant place to linger for a while and watch the wildlife. You will be unlucky if you do not spot quite a number of different wading birds along the river and if you keep your eyes open and are really lucky you might see the brilliant blue flash of a kingfisher.

Follow the path out of Watergate south towards the coast crossing the main Looe to Polperro road at Parkers Cross. Take care crossing the road as it is very busy. The track opposite you takes you down to Talland Bay but if you have time it is worth taking time to have a look at Sclerder Abbey which is about ¼ mile away and well signposted.

Depending on the time of year you do this walk there is a cafe open next to the cottages at Talland Bay and if the tide is right this is a great place to go for a paddle.

Follow the South West Coast Path east upwards (very steep here) and out of Talland Bay back towards Looe. In my opinion this is one of the best stretches of coastal path in the whole south west and it is a beautiful walk back into Looe via Hannafore. There is a nice little cafe on Hannafore close to the coast watch station and as you re-enter Looe take time to have a look at St Nicholas’s Church which is right on the harbour side.

Allow three hours for this walk, take wellies in Autumn/Winter as Kilminorth Woods can be quite muddy when wet.