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Getting There

Liskeard, a Town of 9,500 population, is the gateway to the spectacular Bodmin Moors.

By far the most scenic way to reach Liskeard is on the wonderful Looe Valley Line.  The train departs (roughly every hour from 6.30am until 9.30pm) for the 30 min journey, from Looe’s station (opposite The Globe Inn on Station Road). The line follows the East Looe River and, in places, the former canal which brought tin & granite from the moors to Looe. At Combe Junction, the train stops & the driver changes ends of the train before it departs up the steep hill into Liskeard itself where there is a walk of 10 mins to the Town centre.

Travelling by car (9 miles/15 mins) gives you greater freedom to travel onto the villages and Bodmin Moor. Take the A387 from Looe towards Sandplace, the roads bares left near the village of Widegates onto the B3252 until it joins the main A38 dual carriageway for just a short time, exiting at Liskeard and following town centre and parking signs.

If you’d like to cycle to Liskeard, we would suggest taking the road A387 towards Sandplace and, on the sharp corner by the Polraen Hotel, turn left and either follow the road ahead towards St. Keyne and onto Liskeard, or turn left over the railway bridge towards Duloe (this is a very steep hill). If you prefer, bikes are usually accepted on the train.

There are plans in the future to create a network new traffic-free cycle tracks in the future until a scheme named the Looe Valley Trails.

By Bus, the 72A runs between Polperro, Looe & Liskeard with a regular daily service.

 

Looe Line Railways

What’s To See & Do?

  • Liskeard is an ancient stannary town that dates back to the 13th century. Modern day Liskeard has plenty of shops, places to eat & drink in the Town centre. There’s free entry into the Liskeard Museum as well as the arts & heritage centre Stuart House which dates back to the late medieval period.
  • Siblyback Lake – just five miles from Liskeard, on the edge of the moors, is wonderful for walking, waterspouts or enjoying a snack in the onsite cafe.
  • The spectacular Golitha Falls (a series of cascades over a 90 metre drop in altitude along the upper-stretches of the Fowey River) runs through ancient oak woodlands. These are a must if you love walking – (parking is at Draynes Bridge).
  • The Hurlers Stone Circle and Trethevy Quoit (as well as the Duloe Stone Circle) date back to the Neothlic/Bronze Age periods – and the natural rock formation of Cheesewring (near the village of Minions) are a must for heritage (& mystical) lovers.
  • Bodmin Moor (an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) covers 208 sq km (80 sq miles). For Moorlands walks, our partner at iWalk Cornwall have a circular walk that takes in both Cheesering and Minions which is a good introduction to the landscape of this dramatic moorland. iWalk Cornwall also have a stunning walking from Duloe to Looe through the Tredinnick Woodlands which are filled with bluebells in the spring.
  • The Sterts Theatre is a unique 400-seat tented amphitheatre, located in the village of Upton Cross, 6 miles north of Liskeard.
  • Carnglaze Caverns, a former underground slate mine, is a great all-weather attraction which also run a services of summer concerts & events.
  • Cornish Orchards cider farm and the Looe Valley Vineyard offer tours & tastings, located near Duloe.
  • For thrill seekers, close to the village of Menheniot, Adrenalin Quarry is a great day out with an aqua park, zip line and karting track.

Where to Eat & Drink

 

In Liskeard itself, there’s everything from tea shops and pasty take-aways to bistros –  take a look at the Town’s own guide to eating & drinking

Olive & Co & Siblyback Lake for breakfast, or lunch.

The Plough in Duloe – perfect if you are exploring the village, Stone Circle and the nearby Cornish Orchards & Looe Valley Vineyard

Out on the Moors themselves, if you are walking along the Golitha Falls, near the parking area you’ll find Inkie’s Smokehouse… in the hamlet of Rilla Mill (near Callington) the Manor House has a good reputation… The Caradon Inn (in Upton Cross, opposite the Sterts Theatres) is a great village pub as is The London Inn, in the village of St. Neots.

Are we missing something ?

If you feel we’ve missed any gems on our Liskeard & The Moors post – could be an amazing view point or a great place to enjoy a meal – please let us know.

Drop us an email and we will add the details into our Blog.