SW6840 : The View from Carn Brea

Carn Brea

228m Elevation
47m Prominence
England Country
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SW6840 : The View from Carn Brea

Tony Atkin Photo source

Explore routes near Carn Brea

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Lizard to Kyanace Cove Out and Back

4.7 km ~2h Moderate

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Porthcurno and the Minack Theatre

8.3 km ~3h 30m Moderate

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Ropehaven Cliffs and Black Head

3.4 km ~1h 30m Moderate

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Padstow to Trevone coastal circular

12.3 km ~3h 30m Moderate

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Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Carn Brea Circular via Carnkie

This popular circular route starts at Carnkie village and ascends through lush woodland paths before reaching the iconic Carn Brea summit. The route circles the base of the hill on its descent, giving walkers a chance to explore the historic remnants of the mining heritage nearby.

6.5 km ~2 hours Moderate

Carn Brea Summit and Castle Walk

This route begins at the car park near Carn Brea Castle and takes walkers directly up to the hill’s summit, offering panoramic views of West Cornwall. It also visits the fascinating Carn Brea Castle and the imposing Basset Monument before looping back.

3.5 km ~1.5 hours Easy

Carn Brea and Redruth Mining Trail

Starting in Redruth, this longer walk combines a visit to Carn Brea with a journey through the historic mining landscape. It includes sections of the Great Flat Lode Trail and provides insight into Cornwall’s rich industrial history.

10 km ~3.5 hours Moderate

Carn Brea from Illogan Woods

A scenic route beginning in Illogan Woods, this walk takes in peaceful woodland trails before climbing to the summit of Carn Brea. The route provides a mix of nature and history, with glimpses of the area's mining past.

8 km ~2.5 hours Moderate

Carn Brea Sunset Hike

A short but rewarding walk designed for evening hikers. Starting from the Castle Approach car park, this route takes you to the summit in time to enjoy a Cornish sunset. Ideal for those looking for a serene experience.

2.5 km ~1 hours Easy
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

200-299m hill

Elevation

228m

748 ft

Prominence

47m

Coordinates

50.2209, -5.2491

SW683407

OS Map

203

Explorer: 104

At the Summit

The summit hosts the impressive Carn Brea Castle and a prehistoric fogou (a subterranean chamber), as well as a large standing stone known as 'The King’s Men'.

Terrain & Geology

Rocky with grassy patches; occasional boggy areas near the paths.

Carn Brea is composed predominantly of granite, formed during the late Devonian era. Its rocky outcrops create an interesting terrain that is as dynamic as a Cornish tide!

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can see the Atlantic Ocean, the cliffs of West Penwith, and, on a clear day, even the Isles of Scilly.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Carn Brea' translates to 'Hill of the Lumps', which perfectly describes the granite outcrops at its summit.

Historical Significance

The site has a rich history dating back to prehistoric times, with many ancient monuments reflecting the cultural heritage of the area.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is limited parking available at the base of Carn Brea near the B3300 road. It can get crowded on sunny days, so arrive early to nab a spot.

Public Transport

The nearest bus stop is in the village of Pool, approximately 2 miles away, served by local buses.

Nearby Facilities

The nearby village of Carnkie has a couple of quaint cafes and public toilets. A delicious cream tea may be just what you need after your hike!

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Beware of steep drop-offs, especially near rocky edges. Additionally, the paths can be slippery after rain.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Carn Brea?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Carn Brea through the maps

Are there other walkers around Carn Brea?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Carn Brea search or of course create your own walk for Carn Brea

Can I organise a walk to Carn Brea?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Carn Brea.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Carn Brea?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Carn Brea here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

Carn Brea location map

Grid reference: SW683407

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

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