Clay Trails

Wheal Martyn to St Austell

Join the Wheal Martyn to St Austell trail at the bottom of Wheal Martyn car park. After a few metres you’ll pass a metal chimney sculpture, created as part of a collection of art to celebrate the rich mining history of the area.

The trail runs for half a mile along wooded paths and through the small village of Ruddlemoor parallel to the road.  As you leave the village the trail runs alongside the river.

Once you have crossed the William Cookworthy Bridge you’ll round a corner marked with carved granite boulders. At the boulders head right along the path. Continue following this path for the rest of the trail.

After a small bridge you’ll spot the towering chimneys of an old clay drier on the left side of the path. Now overgrown with vegetation, Carlyon Farm Kilns were once the largest coal-fired china clay drying kilns. Look out for remnants of the internal narrow gauge railway system, which served the drier running along the loading platform edge.

The trail continues on to run parallel to the modern day railway. Behind you there are pleasant views over the railway viaduct and of the clay hills on the skyline. The trail finishes in Tremena Gardens, a short walk from the centre of St Austell.

Car parking is available at Wheal Martyn, where visitors are invited to make a small donation towards the museum’s charitable work. St Austell town centre has some on-street parking as well as pay and display car parks.

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