In the parish of Linkinhorne, the River Lynher meanders through secluded valleys and alongside gently rolling fields. Its western parts lie on the eastern slopes of Bodmin Moor, a granite moorland. At Sharptor, above the Cheesewring, it rises to more than 380 metres above sea level. The landscape brings together river valleys, fields and open moorland.
Landscape and Getting Around
The landscape in Linkinhorne ranges from open moorland to wooded valleys. Many mature trees and old hedgerows, numerous examples of which are ancient in origin, together with deciduous woodland and riverbanks, contribute to the diversity of its wildlife and plant life. A distinctive relationship between landscape and plant life can be seen on the copper-rich spoil of South Caradon Mine in the Linkinhorne area: unique plant species grow there and are legally protected through AONB and SSSI designations.
For road navigation, it is important to consider two facts together: there are no major roads in the parish, while the classified roads B3254 and B3257 cross its area. The B3254 runs from north to south, and the B3257 from northwest to southeast. Both provide road links to Launceston, Liskeard and Callington.
Stone Circles, Hillfort and Architectural History
The Hurlers comprises a linear group of three adjacent prehistoric stone circles. The three large, regularly laid-out circles make the group a unique monument. At Rillaton Barrow, its size and discovery are the focus: it is the largest round cairn on Bodmin Moor and is known as the findspot of the gold cup. The early prehistoric hillfort on Stowe's Hill is one of the largest and best-preserved examples. Together, the stone circles, round cairn and hillfort represent different forms of prehistoric structures.
The historic buildings also merit a closer look at their specific differences. The Church of St Melor is a parish church dating from the late 15th century; it was restored in 1891 and is Grade I listed. Plusha Bridge is a granite bridge over the River Lynher dating from the late 15th century. Its design is characterised by three round arches and two cutwaters. It was built to give the miners of Caradon convenient access to their parish church in Linkinhorne.
The medieval bridge at Starabridge is a rare surviving example of a late-medieval clapper bridge. The engine house at the Prince of Wales shaft of Phoenix United Mine offers a different insight into architectural history: it was built in 1910, with a chimney attached at its southwest corner. In structures like these, form, material and purpose each tell a different part of the story.
Walking and Planning Your Visit
The Rilla Mill and Plushabridge circular walk runs through the area around Linkinhorne. It follows the River Lynher, passes through the Colquite Woodland conservation area and crosses medieval bridges. Check the path conditions before setting out.
The Minions Heritage Centre is currently closed to the public. Reopening is being considered, so it is worth checking its visitor status again before your trip. This allows you to plan an excursion into the landscape, a visit to historic buildings and a visit to the Heritage Centre as separate activities, without assuming that the Centre is currently accessible.
Discover more destinations: Perranwell Station, Saint Merryn, Mylor, Lostwithiel, Constantine, Quethiock, Marhamchurch, Mylor Bridge
For the broader travel overview: Cornwall.
