Loe Pool is a 6.25 mile loop around Cornwall’s largest natural lake, beginning at the beach and circling through woodland, reedbeds and historic estate paths.

🥾 Loe Pool Walking Loop (First Downs Start)

A 10 km / 6.25 mile loop around Cornwall’s largest natural lake, beginning at the beach and circling through woodland, reedbeds and historic estate paths.

📍 Start Point

First Downs Car Park (Loe Bar Beach) Postcode: TR13 0RU Optional alternative start/finish: Helston Fairground Car Park (see Point 1 below).

🔄 Route Overview (Your New Sequence)

1. First Downs Car Park → Loe Bar
2. Walk the full length of Loe Bar
3. Join the east‑side woodland path
4. Reedbeds & Loe Marsh
5. Lower Nansloe & Meadow Section
6. Loe Valley & Old Mine Ruins
7. Helston Fairground Car Park (Optional Start/Finish)
8. Oak Grove & The Boathouse
9. Parkland & The Stables
10. Bar Walk Plantation & The Points
11. Return to Loe Bar → First Downs Car Park

Places to Stay in Cornwall

🧭 Step‑by‑Step (Adapted to Your Map Route)

1. First Downs Car Park → Loe Bar

From the beach car park, walk directly onto Loe Bar, the dramatic shingle bank separating the sea from Loe Pool. Warning: No swimming — dangerous currents.

2. Walk the full length of Loe Bar

Head south‑east along the Bar toward Bar Lodge on the clifftop. Enjoy sweeping views of the Atlantic on one side and Loe Pool on the other.

3. Join the East‑Side Woodland Path

At the far end of the Bar, turn inland and pick up the path leading into the woodland. This takes you into Bar Walk Plantation, with maritime pine, holm oak and sweet chestnut.

4. Reedbeds & Loe Marsh

Continue north along the east side of the lake. You’ll soon reach the reedbeds — home to dragonflies, warblers, reed buntings and wintering ducks.

5. Lower Nansloe & Meadow Section

Follow the path as it opens into meadows beside willow carr. This is a quieter, softer landscape with glimpses of the Pool through the trees.

6. Loe Valley & Old Mine Ruins

Continue north until you reach the ivy‑clad engine house ruins of the 1850s silver‑lead mine. This section feels wild and atmospheric, especially in winter.

7. OPTIONAL START/FINISH: Helston Fairground Car Park

At this point, you reach the Helston Fairground car park. If you prefer, you can start and finish the walk here instead of First Downs.

8. Oak Grove & The Boathouse

Re‑enter the estate via Oak Grove, the oldest woodland on the route. Look for ancient, twisted oaks and the old wooden boathouse where otters are often seen.

9. Parkland & The Stables

Continue to the 1780s Stables and walled garden. If open, the café makes a great refreshment stop.

10. Bar Walk Plantation & The Points

Follow the drive south through sheltered woodland. On your right are The Points — old stone jetties now reclaimed by nature.

11. Return to Loe Bar → First Downs Car Park

The path curves back toward the lake and eventually rejoins the track leading to Loe Bar. Walk the final stretch of the Bar back to First Downs Car Park.

📏 Route Stats (Adapted Loop)

• Distance: ~10 km / 6.25 miles
• Time: ~3 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Terrain: Gravel paths, woodland tracks, some muddy sections in winter
• Dog Friendly: Yes (keep dogs away from Loe Bar surf edge)

⚠️ Safety Notes

Some muddy sections after rain

No swimming in Loe Pool or Loe Bar

Beware strong currents and unstable shingle

Paths can flood seasonally