Kennall Vale Nature Reserve
Picturesque dense woodland, waterfalls and babbling brooks amidst the ruins of in an abandoned gunpowder factory.
Location: In Ponsanooth between Redruth, Penryn and Truro
Price: Entry is free
Parking: Free on the roads nearby (no onsite parking)
Who Runs It: Cornwall Wildlife Trust
Facilities: None, just nature – lots of pubs in the nearby area
Discover Kennall Vale
Kennall Vale is a picturesque dense woodland with rich undergrowth and open glades set on the river Kennall in 20 acres. You’ll find walking trails, waterfalls, babbling brooks and a flooded quarry in amongst the ruins of an abandoned gunpowder factory.
In its heyday the factory was a 50-building complex producing gunpowder for the mining industry from 1812 until it closed around 100 years later. It’s not a typical tourist destination, but if you enjoy exploring abandoned buildings then this one is worth visiting!
Under the tree canopy everything is covered in green moss with ferns and trees growing within many of the old buildings. The old quarry is flooded and has a granite rock face rising out of the clear water.
Walking Trails
Kennall Vale has two trails, one for families and another more challenging trail that is suitable if you’re an experienced walker or have children who can keep up with your pace!
The family-friendly walking route takes about 45 minutes on average. The more challenging route takes about an hour on average. But we’d add on another hour as the reserve is so beautiful you wouldn’t want to hurry.
If you’d like to see all of the ruins close-up make sure you take the more challenging trail marked as ‘cautionary route’. On this route you have to pass some waterfalls and may get a little splashed (!) and there are also some steep steps to navigate in a couple of parts. This route is definitely recommended if that doesn’t faze you.
The Gunpowder Factory Ruins
Six ruins and areas which helped to make up the gunpowder factory are still there on site and you can visit all of them. Trees and ferns now grow within the ruins as nature has taken over, the Cornwall Wildlife Trust keeping it cleared, enough to enjoy the abandoned factory. There are three on each side of the river so, if you’d like to walk through all of them you will have to take the more challenging route.
Packing House
Where they packed gunpowder into barrels.
Quarry
A source of Cornish granite.
Corning House
Where they reduced mixed ingredients to fine grains.
Incorporating Mills
Where they ground together saltpetre, sulphur and charcoal.
Limestone Runner Wheel
Used to grind raw ingredients in the Incorporating Mill.
Change House
Where workers changed into woollen clothing.
Wildlife
The reserve has been overseen by the Cornwall Wildlife Trust since 1985. It is home to some interesting, and rare, species such as greater horseshoe bat and pipistrelle bat. For the bird lovers amongst you, it is one of the best places in Cornwall to spot dippers, who wade, swim and dive in running water.
There Really is a Money Tree
Half way round the more challenging route you will find a curious looking tree. It seems that over the years many coins have been knocked into the tree, creating an impressive pattern. It is much larger than this photo but there is still room for more if you want to add one for luck!
It is Said to be Haunted..
With the site being an old gunpowder factory, of course there were many tragic accidents. There have been many reported sightings by people and claims of photographs and it is said to be the most haunted woodland in Britain. There is certainly a different feeling when you enter but it is more mystical and calming, although you wouldn’t want to get stuck there in the dark!
When to Visit Kennall Vale
You can visit all year round. It is particularly stunning during autumn of course and spring with the bluebells. It’s best to avoid at weekends though as it becomes very busy.
Kennall Vale Nature Reserve is a unique hidden gem where nature has taken over the ruins. It is a calming and mystical place to visit in Cornwall. The fascinating history adding to its beauty and intrigue.
Turn up your volume to hear the roar of the river Kennall.
