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Ethy

(Average user rating5 unrated 4.5/5)
 

Ethy Wood is a small mixed woodland which lies adjacent to the estuary of the River Fowey and its tributaries. Its stunning location and the estuary's diverse birdlife make this wood well worth a visit. On the estuary heron, little egret, shelduck and curlew can be seen, along with other wading birds. The wood itself is home to mammals such as roe deer, badger and fox as well as woodland birds such as greater spotted woodpecker, bullfinch and goldcrest. Buzzards are frequently seen circling above the treetops.

Ethy is beautiful at any time of year but the best views of the estuary are during the autumn and winter, when the trees have lost their leaves. The best time to see estuary birdlife is when the tide is going out.

There is no car-park at Ethy Wood. You can walk to the wood from the hamlet of St Winnow or from the village of Lerryn using public rights of way. The public footpath from St Winnow to Ethy Wood is relatively level but there are 3 stiles to cross. The path from Lerryn to Ethy (taking you through National Trust woodland) is longer and has some moderate gradients but there are no stiles. Both paths have a natural surface and can be muddy at certain times of year.

How to get there:

Lostwithiel and Lerryn are the nearest towns or villages.

Ethy Wood is approximately 4 kms south east of the town of Lostwithiel. The nearest village (with car-park, shop, pub, toilets etc.) is Lerryn.

From Lostwithiel on the A390 take the road for Lerryn. After approximately 2 miles turn right at a crossroads – the turning is signed St Winnow. This road will bring you to the hamlet of St Winnow.

OS Grid Reference: SX125565
For details of public transport visit http://www.transportdirect.info


User Comments

4 Stars 4 Stars

Exceptionally beautiful woodland area overlooking the river. Only bad point is the limited development for mountain biking. There are a number of areas away from the main tracks which could be perfect for both trail and downhill moantain biking if further development was made to control access to these areas and erosion issues that may arrise. If this was looked into then it would also help to prevent illegal trail or jump building which has started to appear recently.

Jason, 11/Sep/2010
5 Stars 5 Stars

Been there today. Beautiful trees and fauna. Fairly easy walking. Lovely views of the estuary.

Anonymous, 18/Jun/2009

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View looking up the River Fowey from Ethy Woods

Facilities and Activities

Contact:

West England District
-
01594 833057
e-mail: dean@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

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