) to insert bird names in your own language. The birdnames will automatically be translated for other users!
Upload images
Allowed image types are jpeg,png,gif
Max file size is 20MB
Description
This part of the East Looe Valley is nowadays rarely visited by birdwatchers, whilst most birds are of more common species, a good morning or afternoon of birdwatching walking along very narrow tree lined country roads with little traffic can be had.
This part of the valley is dominated by the 147 foot high Moorswater Viaduct (built 1881), which carries the Paddington to Penzance mainline. Beside this viaduct stands the 6 'piers' of the original viaduct built in 1855. The Liskeard and Caradon Mineral Line (built 1844) used to run from Moorswater to quarries further North bringing china clay and stone to the Liskeard and Looe Union Canal, for transport to the port of Looe. Derelict remnants of the canal can still be seen on the valley floor, it went out of use on completion of the Liskeard to Looe Branch Line.
The only two railway stations in the United Kingdom with the word halt in their name can be found on this line, here Coombe Junction Halt and further down the line St Keynes Wishing Well Halt, Coombe Junction Halt also has the distinction of being consistently the second least visited station in the United Kingdom.
During Winter months with possible freezing conditions, rare nowadays, some species can be forced off higher ground to this more sheltered valley. During Spring/Autumn migration birds transient through the valley on the way to/from the Southern Coast.
Details
Access
The A38 main road from Plymouth (far to the East) to Bodmin (to the West) passes close to the site. If traveling from Plymouth on nearing the large town of Liskeard (Do Not Enter Town) continue on Bypass dual carriageway. This road soon becomes the Dobwalls Bypass and as road goes uphill, take Left hand slip road signed Moorswater Industrial Estate, at next junction turn Left signed Moorswater Industrial Estate, (*A) continue on this road and park on road beside Industrial Units. DO NOT park on road verges or block access. If traveling (on A38) from Bodmin, pass the large village of Dobwalls on duel carriageway bypass, on going down hill take next Left turn slip road signed Moorswater Industrial Estate. Continue on this road (passing over A38), at next junction turn Left signed Moorswater Industrial Estate, continue as (*A) above.
Terrain and Habitat
Forest , Scattered trees and bushes , Grassland , Valley , River , City/village , AgricultureConditions
Flat , Hilly , Open landscapeCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
NoGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Spring , Autumn , Autumn migration , Spring migration , SummerRoute
Paved road , Wide path , Unpaved road , Narrow trailDifficulty walking trail
Average walkAccessible by
Foot , Bicycle , CarBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
BE AWARE, some of this walk involves Railway Level Crossings, some ungated but all unmanned, BE AWARE of WARNING SIGNS, if a train approaches driver will sound horn, if waiting to cross raise one arm to acknowledge you are aware of approaching train.