Wheal Martyn to Sky Spur

A challenging 2-mile route through rugged landscape, offering stunning vistas from Sky Spur on a clear day.
Map of the route from Wheal Martyn to Sky Spur

Directions and points of interest

A large granite bolder pointing towards the Eden Project and St Austell marks the start of the 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 a White River (so named because of the clay run off that turned it white, the white colour can still sometimes be seen).

Once you have crossed the William Cookworthy Bridge – named after the man who ‘discovered’ china clay in the 18th century – you’ll round a corner marked with several carved granite boulders.

Carry on up the hill in the direction signposted ‘Eden Project 4.5m’. After 100 metres you’ll reach a plateau, where you should continue to follow the blue signs for Eden project. The trail crosses a road and then bears right through the gate. There is now a steady gentle incline followed by a steeper winding section.

Look out for the luminous-coloured dam at Ruddle Pit to your right, which takes its hue from the mica particles used to wash the clay. This spot is good for a picnic or resting place.

As the trail becomes very steep you will see a two-way granite way marker - continue straight on. You will soon reach a T-junction on the path take a left and follow the trail as it twists and turns, hugging the hillside for the remaining ¾ mile to the Sky Spur viewpoint. On a clear day you can see for miles accross the beautiful landscape.

Extending the route

This trail joins up with the 5-mile Wheal Martyn to Eden Project trail.  Retrace the route back to the T-junction and follow signs to Eden Project.

Facilities and attractions

Facilities:

  • Wheal Martyn

    Horse tie up, cafe, accessible toilet and baby changing facilities.

Attractions:

Suitable for:

  • Walking
  • Cycling
  • Horse riding

Distance:

2.0 miles (3.2km)

Terrain: 

Some long inclines on the way to Sky Spur with a winding path in places. Mostly gravel path with some muddy, marshy areas depending on the season.

Cycling grade:

Moderate

Highlights:

  • Stunning views from Sky Spur
  • Bright green mica dam
Map references and transport

Start point: 

  • Address: Wheal Martyn China Clay Museum, Sky Spur, St Austell, Cornwall, PL26 8XG
  • OS grid reference: SX005554
  • GPS coordinates: 50.36455, -4.80564

End point: 

  • Address: Sky Spur View point
  • OS grid reference: SX007557
  • GPS coordinates: 50.367692, -4.801956

Parking: 

Parking is available at the start point, at Wheal Martyn. The trail ends at Carthew, where there is no road access, so you will need return to the start point at Wheal Martyn.

Public transport: 

Travel Cornwall bus 423 stops outside Wheal Martyn. See the full timetable.