Launceston Walks
This Cornish town sits on the border with Devon in the lovely Tamar Valley. Two excellent waymarked trails begin their journey in Launceston, in the shape of the Two Castles Trail and the Tamar Valley Discovery Trail. These are both great options for exploring the beautiful countryside surrounding the town.
This walk uses a section of the Two Castles Trail to take you to the nearby village of Lifton. You start of at Launceston Castle which has a history dating back to the 11th century. Today the castle is owned by the duchy of Cornwall and operated by English Heritage as a tourist attraction. Much of the castle defences remain, including the motte, keep and high tower which overlook the castle's former deer park to the south. The castle marks the start of the Two Castle's Trail which you can follow east through the countryside to Liftondown and and Lifton in Devon. The pretty village sits on the confluence of the rivers Wolf and Lyd so there are some nice riverside paths to try in this area. You can return to Launceston on the same paths or catch the bus back if you prefer.
Also near the town is the lovely Roadford Lake. The large 730 acre lake has a number of waymarked trails and lots of wildlife to look out for on the way.
Launceston Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Launceston Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Launceston OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Launceston Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Walks near Launceston
- Two Castles Trail - Follow the Two Castles trail from Devon into Cornwall and enjoy beautiful countryside, woodland and downland
- Tamar Valley Discovery Trail - This beautiful trail takes you through the Tamar Valley AONB from Tamerton Foliot in Devon to Launceston in Cornwall
- Roadford Lake - This beautiful 730 acre lake and country park in Dartmoor is perfect for a waterside cycle or walk
Pubs/Cafes
In Lifton head to the Lifton Hall Hotel for some refreshments. It's an establishment of note being Grade II Listed with parts dating from the early 17th Century. The hotel includes a lovely outdoor seating area where you can enjoy afternoon tea on finer days. They also do high quality accommodation if you need to stay over. You can find the hotel on the New Road with a postcode of PL16 0DR.
The Fox and Grapes is also in Lifton and another fine option. It's a traditional country pub with dining rooms, two cosy fires and a nice large beer garden. There's a great menu and it's also dog friendly. You can find the pub on Station Road at postcode PL16 0AJ.
Photos
Launceston Castle. This old castle dominates the skyline of Launceston (the only walled town in Cornwall). George Fox, founder of the Quakers, was imprisoned here for 8 months in 1656.
Launceston: the castle. A fine motte and bailey castle on a fine summer's day.
An imposing entrance to the castle grounds.
Lifton: the river Lyd near Lifton Bridge. Below Lifton village, looking west
South Lodge, Lifton This C19 lodge beside Lifton Bridge is one of two for Lifton Park, although technically it is east of the house rather than south of it.
