Linkinhorne: Moorland Landscape and Prehistoric Heritage

Linkinhorne combines secluded river valleys, gently undulating fields and the impressive granite moorland landscape of Bodmin Moor with an unusually rich history. Those planning a trip can combine nature, prehistoric monuments, ecclesiastical architecture and traces of mining here. This gives families a range of thematic focuses between landscape, cultural history and excursions.

Between the River Lynher and Bodmin Moor

In the parish of Linkinhorne, the River Lynher meanders through secluded valleys and along gently undulating fields. Within the Linkinhorne Neighbourhood Development Plan area, the landscape extends from open moorland to wooded valleys. Many mature trees, ancient hedgerows, deciduous woodland and riverbanks contribute to a diverse range of animal and plant life there.

The western parts of the parish lie on the eastern slopes of Bodmin Moor. The granite moorland landscape rises at Sharptor above the Cheesewring to more than 380 m above sea level. The copper-rich spoil heaps of South Caradon Mine reveal a special botanical aspect: the unique plant species found there have been recognised and legally protected through AONB and SSSI designations.

The approach also influences the choice of base. Linkinhorne has no major roads. The classified B3254 and B3257 roads cross the parish; the B3254 runs from north to south, while the B3257 runs from north-west to south-east. Both provide road connections to Launceston, Liskeard and Callington. When choosing a holiday apartment or holiday cottage, you can therefore consider whether your holiday days should be devoted mainly to the moor, the river valleys or excursions to these places.

Stone Circles, Churches and Mining History

Among the most distinctive prehistoric remains are the Hurlers. The monument comprises a linear group of three adjacent prehistoric stone circles. This group of three large, regularly arranged stone circles is unique and gives trip planning a particular cultural and historical focus. The Rillaton Barrow is the largest round cairn on Bodmin Moor and is also known as the find site of the Rillaton Gold Cup. On Stowe's Hill lies an early prehistoric hillfort, which is considered one of the largest and best-preserved examples.

The Church of St Melor adds an ecclesiastical monument to this early history: the parish church dates from the late 15th century, was restored in 1891 and is listed at Grade I. Bridges also tell stories of former connections. Plusha Bridge is a granite bridge over the River Lynher dating from the late 15th century. It has three semicircular arches and two cutwaters and was built to provide the miners of Caradon with convenient access to their parish church in Linkinhorne. The medieval bridge at Starabridge is a rare surviving example of a late-medieval clapper bridge.

Traces of mining can also be found at the engine house at the Prince of Wales Shaft of Phoenix United Mine. It was built in 1910; a chimney is attached to its south-west corner. The Minions Heritage Centre is currently not open to the public and should therefore not be planned as a publicly accessible activity.

Choose accommodation according to your preferred travel theme

When searching for accommodation, it is worthwhile deciding on your preferred daily rhythm. Those placing prehistoric monuments and the uplands of Bodmin Moor at the centre of their plans will organise their trip differently from someone who wants to discover river valleys, bridges and historic buildings. A circular walk in the area around Linkinhorne, Rilla Mill and Plushabridge follows the River Lynher through the Colquite Woodland protected area and across medieval bridges. The route can therefore provide a concrete reason to consider the preferred focus of your excursions when choosing the location of your holiday accommodation, without anticipating distances or walking times.

If you would like to compare more places for your trip planning, you can find Mylor Bridge, Ruan Minor, Penhallow, Launcells, Marazion, Marhamchurch, St Hilary and Mawnan Smith here.

For the higher-level travel overview: Cornwall.