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Golitha Falls National Nature Reserve adventures

Golitha Falls National Nature Reserve Adventures

Golitha Falls National Nature Reserve is a striking woodland area along the River Fowey featuring a series of scenic waterfalls and rich biodiversity, offering peaceful hiking and nature observation opportunities.

141 acres
Acres Protected
3 miles
Miles of Trails
Approximately 25,000
Annual Visitors
1967
Year Established

About Golitha Falls National Nature Reserve

 

Golitha Falls National Nature Reserve is located in Cornwall, England, within the heart of Bodmin Moor. The reserve is centered around the River Fowey, where it cascades through a steep wooded valley creating a series of dramatic waterfalls and rapids known as Golitha Falls. The reserve covers ancient woodland dominated by oak, ash, birch, and hazel, providing habitat for a wide variety of plants and wildlife including otters, dippers, and rare mosses and liverworts. The river environment additionally supports diverse aquatic insects and fish. Historically, the area was influenced by local tin mining, though today it is protected and managed to preserve its natural heritage and landscape. Visitors are drawn to Golitha Falls for its tranquil walking trails that follow the river through dappled woodland, offering frequent views of the falls and opportunities to spot wildlife. The paths vary in difficulty, making the reserve accessible for casual visitors as well as more experienced walkers. The reserve is managed to maintain its ecological integrity while providing a quiet, scenic retreat for outdoor activities. Facilities are modest, emphasizing the unspoiled natural setting. This makes Golitha Falls an excellent destination for those seeking peaceful exploration, photography, and appreciation of native British woodland and riverine ecosystems.

Highlights

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Series of cascading waterfalls along the River Fowey

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Ancient semi-natural woodland with rich biodiversity

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Habitat for otters, dippers, and rare mosses

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Peaceful riverside walking trails with scenic viewpoints

Notable Natural Features

Golitha Falls

A series of seven waterfalls and rapids along a rugged stretch of the River Fowey, showcasing dynamic natural water features.

Ancient Woodland

Mature native trees including oak and ash create a shaded habitat supporting diverse flora and fauna.

River Fowey

A clean, fast-flowing river providing critical ecological connectivity and habitat for fish and aquatic insects.