the classic guide

A guide to the West Country from the people that know…

Kennall Vale Gunpowder Works

Tucked away in a wooded valley near the village of Ponsanooth, the old Gunpowder Works were in operation from the 1800s until the early 20th Century, when they were forced to close due to the invention of dynamite. Today, the remains stand in a nature reserve maintained by The Cornwall Wildlife Trust. The old ruins, beech woods and Kennall river make for a pleasant walk. Park in the village of Ponsanooth, walk past the shop and up the steep hill. The reserve entrance is on your right.

Kennall Vale Gunpowder Works
Kennall Vale
PONSANOOTH
Cornwall
5 Stars

Mar 2024

Wonderful walk and interesting history

We visited here on a dry but recently raining day. What a fabulous time out daughter had on the muddy trails. A lovely and evocative place with little hiding places and a real sense of history. Rumour has it, it's one of the most haunted (if you believe those things) places in Cornwall - so ideal for those who enjoy that too.

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5 Stars

Apr 2016

Pretty

A very pretty walk, not over long. Lovely waterfalls in a wooded area. Great for dogs.

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5 Stars

Apr 2012

A lovely place to explore - good if you only have a short gap in the itinerary as it doesn't take more than an hour at most, even if you have a good look around.

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