Things to do in St Cleer Cornwall

Golitha Falls is a beautiful series of small cascades and rapids on the River Fowey, located in St Cleer parish in Cornwall, England, approximately two kilometres west of the village of St Cleer. Rather than a single dramatic plunge, the falls consist of a sequence of tumbling cascades that extend for roughly a quarter of a mile through a steep-sided, heavily wooded valley. The river descends through a series of rocky steps and pools, with the water flowing over and between moss-covered boulders of granite and slate. The total drop across the entire length of the falls is modest, typically described as being in the region of twenty to thirty metres spread across the various cascades, creating a wonderfully atmospheric landscape of white water, deep pools, and ancient woodland rather than a single towering waterfall. The flow varies considerably with rainfall, being most impressive after wet weather when the Fowey is in spate, though the falls retain their charm even during drier periods when the flow diminishes to reveal more of the underlying rock structure. The River Fowey rises on Bodmin Moor, Cornwall's dramatic upland wilderness, beginning its journey near Brown Willy, the highest point in Cornwall. From its moorland source, the river flows southward through a varied landscape, gathering tributaries as it descends from the open moor into more sheltered valleys. Golitha Falls represents one of the most scenic sections of the upper Fowey, where the river has carved its way through hard bedrock to create this dramatic gorge. Below the falls, the river continues its southward journey through the Cornish countryside, eventually reaching the sea at Fowey harbour on the south coast. The catchment area encompasses a significant portion of eastern Bodmin Moor, and the river's character at the falls reflects the peaty, acidic waters typical of moorland streams, often appearing tea-coloured due to dissolved organic matter from the upland bogs and blanket mire. The area around Golitha Falls has a rich historical landscape, with evidence of human activity stretching back millennia. The surrounding moorland contains numerous prehistoric monuments, including stone circles, burial cairns, and settlement remains that speak to the ancient importance of this landscape. During the medieval and post-medieval periods, the Fowey valley was significantly modified by industrial activity, particularly tin streaming and mining. The upper Fowey, including the section near Golitha Falls, shows evidence of tin working, with remnants of old streamworks visible in the landscape where miners diverted and sifted through river gravels in search of cassiterite, the primary ore of tin. This industrial heritage adds another layer of interest to the site, though nature has largely reclaimed these old workings, integrating them into the woodland environment. The woodland surrounding Golitha Falls is ancient and of exceptional ecological value, designated as a National Nature Reserve managed by Natural England. The steep-sided valley creates a humid microclimate that supports a remarkable assemblage of Atlantic oakwood, dominated by sessile oak with an understorey of hazel, holly, rowan, and other native species. What makes this woodland particularly special is its extraordinary lichen community, considered one of the finest in Britain. The combination of clean air, high humidity, and ancient woodland continuity has allowed rare and specialized lichens to flourish on the tree trunks and branches, with the site supporting over 100 different lichen species. The woodland floor is carpeted with ferns, mosses, and woodland wildflowers, creating a lush, green environment that feels almost primeval. Birdlife includes typical woodland species such as pied flycatchers, wood warblers, and dippers that frequent the river itself, while otters are occasionally recorded along the Fowey. Visiting Golitha Falls is relatively straightforward, with the site being well-established as a beauty spot and nature reserve. A car park is provided adjacent to the site, accessed via narrow Cornish lanes from either St Cleer to the east or the village of St Neot to the south. From the car park, waymarked trails lead down into the valley, with the main path following the eastern bank of the river through the woodland alongside the cascades. The terrain is steep and can be slippery, particularly after rain, so appropriate footwear is essential. The paths include some uneven steps and rocky sections, making the route moderately challenging for those with mobility difficulties, though the lower sections are more accessible. A circular walk of approximately two miles allows visitors to explore both sides of the gorge, crossing the river at bridges and taking in different perspectives of the falls and the ancient woodland. The site is open year-round and free to access, though facilities are limited to the basic car park with no visitor centre or refreshments on site. The nearest facilities and services are found in the village of St Cleer, which has a pub and basic amenities, while the town of Liskeard, approximately six kilometres to the south, offers a fuller range of shops, accommodations, and restaurants. St Neot, a picturesque village to the south of the falls, is also worth visiting and contains one of Cornwall's finest parish churches, renowned for its medieval stained glass windows. The wider area around Golitha Falls offers excellent opportunities for exploring Bodmin Moor, with numerous walking routes, prehistoric sites, and classic Cornish moorland scenery. The Cheesewring, a striking natural rock formation, and Trethevy Quoit, a Neolithic chambered tomb, are among the notable attractions within a few miles of the falls. Golitha Falls has long been recognized as one of Cornwall's most beautiful natural sites and has attracted visitors for generations, though it remains relatively peaceful compared to some of Cornwall's coastal attractions. The combination of woodland, water, and geological interest makes it a favourite destination for naturalists, photographers, and those simply seeking the tranquillity of ancient woodland. The site's designation as a National Nature Reserve reflects its national importance for lichen conservation, and it continues to be studied by lichenologists and ecologists. For those interested in Cornwall's industrial archaeology, the evidence of tin working in the valley adds historical depth to a visit, revealing how this landscape has been shaped by both natural forces and human activity over many centuries.