Golitha Falls and Draynes Wood

Important dog policy note: Dogs welcome on the woodland walk. Leads required 1 March – 31 July to protect ground-nesting birds.

Golitha Falls is a series of waterfalls and cascades where the River Fowey runs through a steep wooded gorge on the southern edge of Bodmin Moor, a few miles north-west of Liskeard. It is a National Nature Reserve and an ancient oak woodland, and it is a beautiful place to walk.

We went after breakfast at the Duchy of Cornwall Nursery cafe and walked several of the trails through the woodland and alongside the river. According to the ladies’ Pawfits, we walked just over a mile, but it took a while as we stopped to admire the scenery, to clamber over rocks to get to the river, and to take photos. The sun stayed out for us, which we were grateful for given the week we had.

A few things worth knowing for a visit:

The paths are uneven and can be muddy, with tree roots and rocky sections, especially down near the water. I was glad I was wearing my hiking shoes. It is not a walk for smooth-soled shoes or a buggy. The main trails are short – you can do a gentle loop or extend it – but the terrain is moderate rather than easy underfoot.

Dogs are welcome and there is plenty for them to enjoy: woodland, river, and space. The ladies had a lovely time. Keep an eye on them near the water, as the rocks by the falls can be slippery.

There is a car park a short walk from the falls themselves. By the car park there is a cafe with toilets, Inkies Smokehouse – we did not stop this time, but it is on our list. Otherwise there are no facilities at the falls themselves, so it is mainly a walking destination. The Duchy of Cornwall Nursery cafe is also a short drive away (just over 10 miles, 17minutes) and makes a good pairing.

The woodland was once part of a much busier industrial landscape – there are remains of old mine workings and a former water-powered mill in the area. Now it is quiet and green, all moss and oak and the sound of the river. A genuinely lovely spot for a walk.

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The facts

Status: Tried and tested
Region: Cornwall
Area: Bodmin Moor
Type: Woodland
Dog rules: Off lead OK
Walk distance: 1.5-3 miles
Walk difficulty: Moderate
Cost: Free
Website: iwalkcornwall.co.uk ↗

Facilities

Toilets
Cafe on site
Parking

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