One of the great joys of being based at Maker is having some of the most beautiful walking country right on the doorstep. This gentle circular walk takes you through ancient woodland, past a historic church, and rewards you with sweeping views across to Plymouth and down into Cawsand Bay. Allow a comfortable hour or so, and wear sturdy shoes — it can be a little muddy underfoot in winter.
The Route
Start from Helen's shop, or head round in front of the Canteen and down alongside the road to the main road. Take care crossing — and if the sun is shining, pause on the park bench for a moment. The view across towards the Tamar Bridge is really something.
Turn right, following the footpath sign into Pigshill and Clarrick Woods. When the path forks, take the left fork. From here you'll be treated to a lovely view down to Millbrook Marina, with the city of Plymouth shimmering in the distance.
When the path splits again, take the left-hand fork once more. The stone path gives way to a smaller trail winding through beech trees, dropping down some beautifully crafted wooden steps to a T-junction. Follow the signs to the right for Maker Church.
Stay on the woodland path and you'll pass some large fallen trees — casualties of storms in recent years, now quietly becoming part of the forest floor. This section can be muddy in winter, but it's absolutely worth it: the autumn colours here are spectacular, and in spring the ground is carpeted in bluebells.
The path broadens and climbs through the woods until it meets a path joining from the right — ignore this and continue straight ahead. Follow the path as it levels out until you reach another sign pointing right to Maker Church. Climb the five stone steps onto a short stretch of woodland path that brings you out at the road.
Maker Church
Cross the road and head up through the gate towards Maker Church. Looking back down the driveway, you'll spot a break in the wall on the left with a stile. Go through the stile and follow the track along the edge of a field, then through the next opening and along a narrow track.
Walk across a driveway and over another stile into a field. Follow the path through the next two fields until you reach a small gate opening onto a single-track road.
Turn right, then left at the T-junction, passing a group of barn conversions. The road bends right and opens up to glorious views down into Cawsand Bay — a perfect spot to stop and take it all in.
Back to the Start
After approximately 200 metres, turn right through a gate back into Maker Campsite.
Head straight to the footpath, turn right, and this will bring you back past the large white Napoleonic building — and right back to Helen's shop and the Canteen.
You've earned a browse in the shop... come on in! Follow that with a lovely cup of tea at The Canteen.
What to Bring & Best Time to Visit
Footwear: Sturdy walking shoes or wellies are recommended — the woodland sections can be muddy, especially after rain. In the summer, you should be fine with strong sandals or trainers. And if the sun is out and you've forgotten your hat, we might just have a linen bucket hat in the shop.
Best time of year: Spring is magical, when the bluebell woods are at their most spectacular (typically late April to mid-May). Autumn brings beautiful golden colours through the beech trees. Summer offers the clearest views across to Plymouth and down into Cawsand Bay. The walk is accessible year-round, though winter paths can be slippery.
Suitable for: All abilities. The route is mostly flat with a few gentle climbs and some wooden steps. Pushchairs and wheelchairs are not recommended due to the woodland terrain.
Dogs: Very welcome — just keep them on leads near the fields and livestock.
Parking: Park at Maker outside Helen's shop. The walk starts and ends at Helen's shop.
Find Us
📍 Get directions to Helen Round Designs on Google Maps
Visit the Shop
Helen's shop at Maker is open daily 10am–4pm in summer. In winter, opening hours are Monday–Friday 10am–4pm and weekends 11am–4pm. Pop in for a browse through our hand-printed linen homewares and gifts — the perfect memento of a beautiful day out.
Shop the walk: Linen tea towel · Hedgerow napkins · Linen bucket hat