Kerdroya, a Cornish Celebration
Opening to the public on 21 March, and hidden away in the heart of Bodmin Moor is Kerdroya, a labyrinth created from a single winding path, that is a celebration of Cornwall’s ancient craft of stone hedging, and a lasting legacy for the flora and fauna that relies on the Cornish hedge for its habitat. It’s a mindful space, a place to educate and pause with children, teaching them about the ecology of Cornwall’s unique landscape, its geology, and the timeless craft of stone hedging, a tradition as enduring as the granite kingdom itself.
The Significance of the Labyrinth
When we think of labyrinths our minds often conjure up some inescapable, dark place, filled with monsters of ancient mythology. The Celtic labyrinth, however, has a very different purpose. They were symbols of eternity and the life cycle and were tools for meditation. They had a much more spiritual and peaceful meaning. You can feel this intention when walking round Kerdroya. Following the path of Cornish hedging, nestled on Bodmin Moor, creates a calm and centred feeling helping to connect you to the Cornish landscape and heritage.
Kerdroya’s Impact
Cornish hedging is an ancient and skilled practice. They are some of the oldest structures still in use with some aging a whopping 4000 years. The Kerdroya project has helped to train 155 people in this ancient art, helping to give young, unemployed members of the community an incredible opportunity, and helping to solve the shortage of skilled hedgers. This project has been a huge success, reaching thousands of people, including 4000 school pupils, to help maintain this integral Cornish tradition.
Kerdroya is located on Bodmin Moor at Colliford Lake (What3Words: ///octagonal.cleansed.uncle). Entry is free and includes a downloadable guided tour on the Places and Trails app. The landscape is accessible for prams and wheelchairs and you can park right by Kerdroya at Colliford Lake Car Park (PL14 6PZ). You could turn the trip into a day out, visiting Kerdroya (where well-behaved dogs are welcomed) followed by a dog walk on the moor, and on a sunny day maybe even a picnic by the lake.