PONSANOOTH 2.8 miles/7 mins. (Bus, Car, Cycle)
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 Kendall 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.
In the 18th and 19th Century the banks of the Kennall River were throbbing with industry, ranging from corn milling to iron founding. In a 7-mile stretch of the river there were 48 water wheels.
Avoid visiting at the weekends.
Directions: Head north from Penryn towards Ponsanooth on A393. In Ponsanooth, turn left at Post Office. Follow the road and park in the village. It is important that you do not park on the narrow lane leading to the reserve or in front of the nature reserve entrance. On foot climb Cot Hill Road. Ignore the grand entrance to Kennall House and keep walking up the hill. The entrance is on the right at the old pottery.
Main Entrance Grid Ref SW 7535 3756