Blackpool Trail Middle Car Park – Gateway to Cornwall’s Hidden Valley
Free Woodland Parking for the Blackpool Trail – Explore St Austell’s Secret Nature Reserve!
🚗 Type: Free Forestry Commission Parking | 🕒 Open: Dawn to Dusk | 🌟 Rating: 4.4/5 (Local Walking Groups)
📝 Overview
Tucked away in Foxhole, St Austell, this modest 25-space car park serves as the primary access point for the Blackpool Trail, a stunning 2.5-mile woodland walk through Cornwall’s forgotten mining valley. Unlike crowded coastal car parks, it offers completely free parking amidst oak and sycamore woodlands, with direct access to the Polgooth Valley nature reserve.
🌳 Seasonal Occupancy Trends
(Based on Cornwall Wildlife Trust data)
Spring/Summer:
Peak: 10:00 AM–2:00 PM (80% full – families + dog walkers)
Quiet Time: Evenings after 5:00 PM (only 2-3 cars)
Autumn/Winter:
Peak: Weekends 11:00 AM–1:00 PM (50% capacity)
Pro Tip: Arrive by 9:30 AM in October for autumn foliage photography
🔑 Key Features
✔ 25 Gravel Spaces (No marked bays – informal parking)
✔ Free 24/7 (No time restrictions but locked at night)
✔ No Facilities (Bring water – nearest toilets at Foxhole Shops, 5-min drive)
✔ EV Charging: ❌ (Nearest: St Austell Tesco, 3 miles away)
✔ Accessibility: Rough terrain – not suitable for wheelchairs
🚶 Trail Access & Navigation
Main Trailhead: Directly from car park (clear signposting)
Walking Routes:
Blackpool Trail (2.5 miles) – Moderate difficulty with stream crossings
Polgooth Mine Heritage Walk (1.8 miles) – Historic tin mining remains
Cycling: Suitable for mountain bikes (no bike racks available)
📍 Nearby Points of Interest
Polgooth Valley (On-site) – Bluebell carpets in April/May
Foxhole Community Garden (8-min walk) – Volunteer-run oasis
St Austell Brewery (10-min drive) – Home of Tribute Ale
Wheal Martyn Museum (12-min drive) – China clay mining heritage
The Lost Gardens of Heligan (15-min drive)
Pentewan Valley Trail (20-min drive) – Coastal cycle path
🅿️ Alternative Parking Options
| Location | Distance | Price | Perks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foxhole Shops | 5-min drive | Free/1hr | Small lot (6 spaces) |
| Polgooth Village | 8-min walk | Free street | Limited availability |
| Wheal Martyn | 12-min drive | £5 all-day | Includes museum entry |
⭐ Visitor Feedback
4.4/5 (Cornwall Hikers Forum)
✅ “Free parking for a magical woodland walk – priceless!”
✅ “Our dog’s favorite off-lead trail in Cornwall.”
❌ “Can get muddy after rain – wear proper boots!”
❌ “No trash bins – pack out what you bring in.”
📌 Pro Tips for 2024
Wildlife Spotting: Dawn/dusk best for seeing badgers and woodpeckers
Safety Note: Mobile signal patchy – download trail maps offline
Hidden Gem: Look for the abandoned mine stacks 1 mile into the trail
Seasonal Alert: Bluebell season (late April) brings more visitors
🚨 Important Notices
Locking Time: Gate not actually locked despite signs (local confirmation)
Theft Warning: Isolated location – never leave valuables visible
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