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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Our next event is on 18 Oct

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

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.

Our new 2022 Valley Guidebook is here!

The long-awaited Friends of Luxulyan Valley’s 64-page souvenir guide to the Valley is now available to buy online or in local shops. Our new edition includes an A4 colour map of the area and is packed with photographs old and new in full colour throughout. The story charts the history of the Valley from Medieval times to its zenith during the Age of Enlightenment, when the ingenuity and ambition of one man created an industrial powerhouse, the remaining structures and landscape of which has earned the Valley its World Heritage status.

Our guide also provides information on common flora and fauna that might be seen when visiting, with numerous recommended walks to help readers discover the many historic and natural wonders of the Valley for themselves.

See our Shop page for more details.

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

Upcoming events

18 Oct

Hand Bell Ringing

Sat 18th Oct 2025, 1:00pm to 3:00pm

Hand Bell Ringing at the Institute building

19 Nov

19th Century Rivals

Wed 19th Nov 2025, 7:30pm to 9:00pm

A presentation by Caroline Stephenson on the Rashleighs vs Treffry and Kendall

Meet: Luxulyan Village Hall PL30 5QA

View all events

Interactive map

Learn more about the Valley and plan your trip with our interactive map.