Penlau one

Slow Way not verified yet. Verify Penlau here.

I walked this route from Pensilva and enjoyed all but the last road section as highlighted by the previous reviewer N. I was kindly offered a lift to Launceton when I asked a local lady about hailing a bus because I felt unsafe.

This is an attractive hilly route as you might expect close to an AONB, there are many stiles in various states of repair. A local man near the marsh just south of Trenhorne was very pleased to meet a walker using his carefully kept access :)

The only access issue I had was in the woods just north of Tokenbury Manor. A marsh, in the deepest section had broken boardwalks and in the next section, along the waymrked southern boundary of the woods, the marsh was back again (no sign of a boardwalk). I pushed my way to the nothern (unmarked) boundary path that reconnected with the route - higher was drier. This was in spite of mostly very dry weather.

Short sections of roadwalking on the B3254 were manageable in exchange for a varied route.

If N's alternative route to Launceton checks out and if the issue with Tokenbury woods could be sorted - at least for good weather - I would want to keep this as a somewhat challenging but very enjoyable slowways option. Perhaps alongside a more functional lane based one.

I never did see the bull.

This is a review of the first section only, Launceston to Congdon's Shop. See alternative route suggested further down the review.

I would not recommend the first section, Launceston to Congdon's Shop. It is on a quite busy rural road, it is the main road between Launceston and Liskeard, with very poor visibility for walkers and drivers. There is no pavement and cars/vans go quickly and have to squeeze in to the hedge to pass each other. I would feel unsafe walking this route, others may find it ok if they are used to walking with traffic and do not have children or dogs with them.

For an alternative long distance walk, I would recommend heading due south from the start point in Launceston, on Hurdon Road, to Trebullett. And from there on to Coads Green, then Penhole, then Bathpool. This would be along beautiful and very quiet rural lanes barely used by cars. Would be fine for walking or cycling, adults and children, would be tarmac all the way but very little motor traffic.

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