Blackpool Trail Middle Car Park – Gateway to Cornwall’s Hidden Valley

? 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

1. Polgooth Valley (On-site) – Bluebell carpets in April/May

2. Foxhole Community Garden (8-min walk) – Volunteer-run oasis

3. St Austell Brewery (10-min drive) – Home of Tribute Ale

4. Wheal Martyn Museum (12-min drive) – China clay mining heritage

5. The Lost Gardens of Heligan (15-min drive)

6. Pentewan Valley Trail (20-min drive) – Coastal cycle path

?️ Alternative Parking Options

⭐ 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

1. Wildlife Spotting: Dawn/dusk best for seeing badgers and woodpeckers

2. Safety Note: Mobile signal patchy – download trail maps offline

3. Hidden Gem: Look for the abandoned mine stacks 1 mile into the trail

4. 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