Redgate Smithy B&B
~ Golitha Falls ~

The beautiful Golitha Falls are literally just down the lane opposite us, and are set in the lovely wooded valley of the River Fowey. In amongst the lichen covered trees you can also find all that now remains of what was a nineteenth century industrial mining complex - the old Wheal Victoria Copper Mine, and its wheel-pits, shafts and adits. We are very lucky to have this peaceful and mysterious place so close to us.

At the entrance to Golitha Falls nature reserve

To get to the Falls, which are part of a National Nature Reserve, it is a very short walk down the lane and then left over Draynes Bridge. The reserve is just over the bridge in the old Draynes Wood. There is a bi-lingual (Cornish) welcome plaque near the entrance, giving details of walks, and the wildlife to be seen.

Looking back at Draynes Bridge, built in 1876, just above the old ford

After wet days on the moor, the River Fowey swells its flow, and the Falls further down its course become very full; and the noise and the visual effect of sitting next to them can become quite entrancing. After a lot of rain, the roaring of the Falls can clearly be heard in our garden.

The path eventually leads down into the wooded gorge, with many ways to climb around and explore, or if you wish, you can follow the way-marked paths. In fine weather, there is also access for disabled and wheelchair users, although it does become a little rugged further on in some places.

By the side of the upper falls you will find the old wheel pits of the old Wheal Victoria copper mine, and further down by the lower Falls, near where King Doniert supposedly met his doom, you will also find hidden away at the water's edge an old mine adit that is now only home to bats.

Beyond the lower Falls, there is even more to explore for the adventurous; where there are further wooded and steep valley sides, that come down either side of more enchanted pools and waterfalls.

Above the Falls on the hill, and on the higher wooded slopes where the shafts of the mine can be found, the bluebells in Spring-time create a carpet of blue among the trees.

And if that's not all, hidden in the depths of the woods by the river, if you search carefully in the right light with the moon full, you may just catch a glimpse of old Golitha, the mysterious Old Man of the Woods...