The Smugglers' Way is a strenuous walk and should not be undertaken lightly. Whatever the forecast, ensure you have sufficient warm clothing, good waterprrofs and sound footwear. The temperature on the tops of the hills will be considerably lower than in the valleys. Some parts of the route are often boggy, so unless you're wearing boots and gaiters be prepared for wet feet.

Remember to take plenty of food, a first-aid kit containing at the very least some Vaseline and plasters in case of blisters, a survival bag and a whistle (emergency call sign - 6 blasts, repeated at one-minute intervals). Let someone know where you're going and what time you expect to reach your destination.

By all means take a mobile phone in case of emergencies, but remember that coverage in remote areas is patchy. The signal is normally quite good on the Moor, but there is no coverage in the hollows and river valleys.

A guidebook for the walk is available, price £2.50 including p & p. from Frank Squibb, address on HOME page. It contains the route description in both directions, and sketch maps which should be sufficient to enable you to follow the Way without going astray. 

However, it is essential that you carry with you the OS Explorer 109 map of Bodmin Moor. Not only will it enable you to identify features off-route, but in emergency it will enable you to plan the most direct route off the Moor. The updated Accommodation section of this site gives grid references of the various B & B and camping establishments. If you wish to obtain maps for the north and south sections the numbers are 111 and 107 respectively.

The guidebook describes the route in both directions. If you start at Boscastle you get Rough Tor and Brown Willy out of the way well before the half-way stage (Dozmary Pool is half way). A Looe start means that you'll have these big hills to contend with later in the walk, but as many walkers have said, "It's then all downhill from Rough Tor to Boscastle". The choice is yours.

A colourful certificate is available on completion of the walk. Please send a report of your journey and a cheque for £2 per certificate to Frank Squibb, address on the HOME page.

There is a Smugglers' Way Visitors' Book at Jamaica Inn. You'll find it on the table at the Hotel Reception.

Many dogs have accompanied their owners on the Smugglers' Way. Some even have the certificates to prove it! However, you'll encounter numerous stiles and many of them were not designed with dogs in mind. Be prepared to lift your heavy, bedraggled mutt over some of them.

You will be crossing fields and open moorland where sheep, horses  and cattle roam. Please keep your dog under control.

Please don't attempt the Smugglers' Way by mountain-bike or even on mule-back. Most of the rights of way are footpaths only.

There are five sections of The Countryside Code dedicated to helping members of the public respect, protect and enjoy the countryside. Follow the links below for more information.

I've calculated that a circular walk which includes the Smugglers' Way, the Saint's Way (between Padstow and Fowey), and the linking stretches of Coast Path, is just over 100 miles in length. It has been successfully completed in one go by Dave and Anne Carrivick (see REPORTS). Several others have walked it over several days. There is a certificate available for this one as well, price £2, from the address on the HOME page.

The Boscastle Visitor Centre (tel 01840 250010) holds a stock of the Saint's Way guide. The coast path is well waymarked and fairly easy to follow, but if you'd like a guidebook I can recommend the Letts Guide to the South-West Coastal Path, Book 1 (Minehad to St Ives) and Book 2 (St Ives to Plymouth).

Encounter Cornwall is a local company specialising in inclusive holidays for walkers. Both The Smugglers' Way and Saints & Smugglers are to be included in their 2010 programme, and they provide tailor-made arrangements inclusive of accommodation and transport to and from convenient break points along the Way. Click the link www.encountercornwall.co.uk to visit their website.

Oliver Howes, retired guide, has published an excellent website with comprehensive information on walks in Cornwall, and much else. Visit http://www.oliverscornwall.co.uk/trails.html

I am grateful to the LDWA for publicising The Smugglers' Way on its website. For details of many other long distance walks, and of organised walking events taking place throughout the year, visit www.LDWA.org.uk .

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