The final stretch of improvement has been completed on the higher Penrose pathway between Helston and Porthleven.  

This is the latest in a programme of improvements which has seen a total of 3.2 km of pathway upgraded at the popular country parkland and woodland walks around Loe Pool near Helston.  

In total, the National Trust has invested more than £150,000 in restoring the path network at Higher Penrose. The project was also supported by the Paths for Communities European Fund. 

The improvements mean the 3.2 km trail can now be enjoyed by a wide variety of users such as horse riders, cyclists and dog walkers, the route is also all-terrain disability and transport vehicles and buggy friendly.

Falmouth Packet: The path during the works The path during the works (Image: Gregory Cross)

Approximately 300,000 visitors enjoy Penrose each year, and the newly resurfaced path will also mean year-round access to areas of the estate that were previously difficult for visitors to access in the wetter months.  

Gregory Cross, National Trust Area Ranger for Penrose said: ‘We’re always working to improve the accessibility of the places we care for, and we want our visitors to feel welcome and have a great experience when they come to Penrose.   

“The completion of the path surfacing at Higher Penrose will enable year-round access on a well-surfaced, multi-use path and we’re delighted to be able to extend access to Penrose to all visitors, come rain or shine, and no matter the season.”

Falmouth Packet: The new and improved path is now accessible for prams and terrain disability transport The new and improved path is now accessible for prams and terrain disability transport (Image: Gregory Cross)

Another new addition to Penrose is the indoor seating area at The Stables Cafe, where visitors can shelter from the elements and enjoy a light lunch, hot drink, or cake. Dogs are welcome and there are water bowls and even free dog biscuits. The cafe is open daily.  

Gianluca Floris, Food & Beverage Manager, said: “The new indoor seating area at The Stables Cafe extends our offer from just take-away drinks and light snacks to a place where people can sit and relax while enjoying a light lunch or tea and cake.

“We’ve been really pleased to hear from visitors about how much they appreciate having the space to take a break from a long walk with their dog, no matter the weather, come rain or shine. With the addition of second-hand books in the same space, people can also enjoy having a browse with their coffee.”