THE neighbouring towns of Redruth and Camborne feature today as the Voice continues its serialisation of the travel book, Cornwall Favourites For One And All!: A Quick Guide To Good Places To Visit Across The County.

Voice journalist Andrew Townsend, the author of the book, says: “Hard rock mining has helped to shape the landscape in Cornwall. The mining was first conducted on the surface but as technology developed mines began to be created underground. Many relics from these mines still exist, particularly in the Redruth and Camborne area.”

The towns of Redruth and Camborne, along with villages including Pool and Illogan, join together to make the biggest urban conurbation in Cornwall.

The fluctuating fortunes of hard rock mining have shaped this district in the west of the county.

Today, there are many mining ruins in the landscape and the Great Flat Lode Trail takes you by some of them – and gives the chance to climb the imposing Carn Brea hill with its panoramic views.

The A30 truck road passes the towns, making them easy to reach by car, and there are mainline railway stations at both Redruth and Camborne.

On the Cornish Way, part of National Cycle Route 3, less than a mile from Redruth town centre is Gwennap Pit, an historic circular amphitheatre.

In addition, the extensive Tehidy Country Park is near the towns.

Cornwall Favourites For One And All!, a lovely tour around the county, is available as an ebook on Amazon.
Cornwall Favourites For One And All!, a lovely tour around the county, is available as a book and an ebook on Amazon. (Picture: Andrew Townsend)

Next time we will be visiting Helston, at the northern end of the Lizard Peninsula, which is best known for its Flora Dance, a day-long celebration which takes place in early May each year.

Our lovely tour around the county, taking in well-known spots but also lesser-known locations, offers something for everyone, from brilliant beaches, rugged moorland, storm-beaten cliffs and scenic rivers to welcoming towns, pretty villages, mining heritage sites and visitor attractions.

• Andrew Townsend is a journalist and writer. More details of Cornwall Favourites For One And All!: A Quick Guide To Good Places To Visit Across The County, which is also available as an ebook, can be found via this link to Andrew’s author page on Amazon - bit.ly/AndrewTownsendAuthor