Silverwell is at the heart of an ancient network of paths, bridleways and country lanes linking to Mithian, St Agnes, the Coast Path, the Saints Trail, Mount Hawke and Chiverton Cross.
Sadly, in recent years, important link paths within this network have been lost, due to a lack of maintenance, obstructions, and ancient routes having not been properly recorded. However, Cornwall Council is actively seeking to re-open these.
This page covers most local routes in the Silverwell area, with information on a recent Cornwall Council consultation affecting some of these paths.
Interactive map
The map below shows a local status report of paths around Silverwell, compiled by members of the Ramblers, the Open Spaces Society, British Horse Society and local residents. Zoom in and click any line for further details.
Disclaimer: The precise location of the paths may vary slightly from this map. Information is taken from Cornwall Council’s Interactive Map
The lane that passes the old Silverwell Chapel, and continues on its way to White Street, was once a main thoroughfare. It was the preferred route, and in ancient times probably the only one, from Mithian to St Peter’s Church for funeral corteges. So, although Silverwell Chapel appears to have been built in a strange location it was once alongside a busy lane.
Local Historian, Tony Mansell
A description of the currently-obstructed route from Silverwell Chapel to White Street.
Consultation: Have Your Say
Following Bob Fraser‘s Direct Map Modification Order to Cornwall Council in 2021, the Council has made an Order — reference WCA 780_783 — to add restricted byways and upgrade footpaths to restricted byways in the Silverwell area. The Order was made on 14 May 2026, following the Council’s review of historic evidence for these routes.
The Silverwell Residents Association supports this order and encourages residents who use, or want to use, these paths to make representation to the Council, whether in support of the Order or otherwise.
How to make a representation
- Write to the Public Rights of Way Team Leader, Cornwall Council Public Rights of Way Team, New County Hall, Treyew Road, Truro, TR1 3AY, or email proworders@cornwall.gov.uk (phone 0300 1234 202)
- Quote reference WCA 780_783
- State the grounds on which your representation is made
- Make sure it arrives by 9 July 2026 — this is a strict deadline set out in the Council’s notice
Full details, including the Order itself and the Council’s statement of reasons, are available from Cornwall Council’s Made Definitive Map Orders page:
- The Order (WCA 780_783)
- Made Notice (WCA 780_783)
- Statement of Reasons (WCA 780_783)
- Appendix A – Report Map
Reporting Problems
If you have encountered any problems with footpaths, bridleways, byways or roads in Silverwell, we encourage you to report these directly to Cornwall Council. Click this link to be taken to the reporting page.