Circular Walk around the Lakes at West Carclaze Garden Village

hayley_bp

22 May 2023

This walk uses the clay trail and the green links to take you on a circular hike around two of the five great lakes that the village is built around, Pentruff and Baal.

1. Park in the small car park at the top of Mount Stamper Road. This is a free car park used mainly by dog walkers on the clay trail. There are spaces for about 10-15 cars, but there is plenty of parking on the road leading up to it on busier days.

2. Cross the bridge that goes over the A391 just in front of St Austell Printing Company.

3. Head in the direction of Carn Grey. The path is clearly worn and marked. Keep your ears open for Cuckoos, they can occasionally be heard on this section of the path.

4. Once you get to the end and Baal Lake comes into view, the road bends around to take you up Carn Grey mound.

5. At the top of this view point there are some standing stones. Sadly, they have no historical value but the views from this vantage point are exceptional. In one direction there are panoramic views sweeping over the whole village, and in the other direction the views extend over St Austell bay. From here, the Daymarker at Gribbin Head can be seen on a fine, clear day. This area at the top of Carn Grey grows plenty of striking wax cap mushrooms in the summer, and is a common trail used by horses.

6. Walk down the mound and follow the trail to round Pentruff Lake.

7. The trail continues in between Pentruff and the back of the village, eventually leading you to the top of Baal Lake.

8. Follow the gorse lined hedgerow that runs alongside the A391 until you come to the bridge again.

9. Cross the bridge to loop back to the car park.

Add on: If you wish to extend your walk, you can continue along the path and not turn off to the car park. Follow the trail for a wooded walk around Ruddle Lake, or head in the other direction and follow the path around the solar panel fields and the sky tip.