Joseph Treffry completed the viaduct in 1842 as a convenient route between the coast and high ground where he owned land and mineral setts.

The Luxulyan Valley is classified as a County Wildlife Site

The valley is also known for its picturesque qualities and ecological interests which have been long recognised.

The Wheelpit originally had a 30-foot diameter water wheel supplying power to a cable mechanism for hauling wagons up the Carmears Inclined Plane.

Much of the valley is covered in dense woodland, with rich ecological diversity and tranquil beauty.

Welcome to The Friends of Luxulyan Valley

Luxulyan Valley is a beautiful wooded valley in mid Cornwall through which runs the river Par. It was designated as part of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site in 2006 for the fascinating early 19th century industrial remains that can be found throughout the area.

The Friends of Luxulyan Valley are a group concerned with the conservation of the Valley. We were established in 1997 and have links with Cornwall Council and the Footpath Committees of Luxulyan and Lanlivery parishes. We are also members of The Conservation Volunteers. Our objectives are to promote, preserve and protect the valley.

You can help us by joining the Friends to keep this treasure for future generations; individual membership costs just £8 per year, joint membership £10 and family membership £12. Members get a quarterly newsletter and free entry to most of our events.

What's new

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Extension of works at Ponts Vale

We have received the following notice from BAM about extending the works at Ponts Vale:

High level footpath closures

Closed until Friday 16^th May, excluding evenings and Early May Bank Holiday weekend between 02/05 17:00hrs – 06/05 08:00hrs) (apologies this refers to the weekend just gone, but arrived with me on Friday)
2 week closure for scaffold removal early July ( We can confirm dates in our end of May catch up)
2 week closure for reinstatement in August (We can confirm dates in our end of June catch up)

New signage will be erected to cover the extension of time for general works and intermittent closures until end of September

Overall, the grit-blasting and painting elements of work suffered a slow start due to weather, hence the extension. Equally, they have ended up in effect closing the lower tramway, which was not how it was discussed in the licence agreement, where access was to be maintained. Nonethless, we all see the need for safety to be a priority and hope that people will continue to cooperate with the exclusion area as a safety measure.

I hope BAM will update the signage soon.

Vandalism in the valley

Vandalism in the valley

Unfortunately, we have had more vandalism in the valley,

this time around the wheel pit.

Boards and signage were deliberately damaged

Please could you let me know if you see anything/anyone that might cause concern re potential vandalism, and I will forward on to the appropriate person in the council

Robin Stephenson

Adders in the valley?

We have received a message from our Countryside Ranger that a dog was bitten by an adder in the valley last week, mid Sept 2024.

This was about halfway along the Lower Tramway (the little dog is OK after vets).

It is not the usual habitat for adders have you had previous sighting of them?

Please be aware and notify us of any recent sightings?

Our Valley Needs You.

The Friends of Luxulyan Valley are looking for volunteers to help strengthen its Board of Trustees.

We would be happy to hear from anyone interested in ‘getting involved’ in the promotion, conservation and preservation of the Luxulyan Valley, safeguarding its flora, fauna, historic artefacts and unique atmosphere, whilst still providing a place of rest and relaxation.

Please get in touch via the ‘Contact us’ facility on this website for more information.

Trethevy Loop Path closed

On the advice of the Council's tree experts the Trethevy loop path has been closed. There is a large twin stemmed beech on the corner that is threatening to split apart and fall on to the path. It is also unsafe to climb.

The path is closed on either side and a sign has been added at the far end down by the mines.

Visit the Valley

‘The valley is one of the most charming sylvian scenes in the West of England, diversified with granite bolders, and spanned by the graceful Treffry viaduct that is also an aqueduct, though the train did not allow time enough for admiration of the natural beauties’ (Mr Trevail, The Royal Cornwall Gazette, 1900).

Read about the Valley

History of the Valley

As we walk through the tranquil valley with its natural-looking slopes, mature trees and trilling streams, it is difficult to keep in mind that its character, seemingly so unspoilt, results from its history as an industrial site. Although it was too deep to clear for farmland, too rocky to stream for tin, too steep to build housing estates, it has never been an unchanging idyll.

Read about history

Support the Friends

The Friends of Luxulyan Valley wouldn't exist without your kind support and donations. You can join The Friends today and help us to preserve this unique environment for future generations.

Support the Friends