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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Luxulyan Valley lower tramway closures for rail works

Network Rails contractor Bam advise closures of the permissive path on the Lower Tramway under the lower railway bridge while essential repairs are carried out.

There will be intermittent short time closures at any point during the works for plant machinery movements and overhead works.

There will be full closure February 17th to 28th for construction of the crane base and then again 5th to 19th March for the structural works themselves (also no trains then).

During these times there will be no through route for cyclists and horse riders , walkers will be directed via the incline and velvet path.

Bam are in the process of producing better on site signage warning of closures and restricted parking space at Ponts Mill, plus a sign to go where the Velvet path and Lower Tramway meet warning of closures so that walkers don’t get all the way to the closure and have to walk back. It will still be possible to walk down to Trevanney dry and along the rock mill tramway just not get through to Ponts Mill.

Network Rail Ponts Vale Works Notification

 

Dear Neighbour,
We wanted to let you know that we’ll be working in the Luxulyan Valley area to
replace the bridge deck at the Pontsmill Viaduct, the works will be required to
maintain a safe and reliable railway. You will see our teams setting up our compound
areas and erecting scaffolding during the month of January, The main works will start
from February, this will involve reparing sections of the structures main girder beams
before replacing the deck during a two week period between March 5th to March19th
2025. On completion of the deck replacement our teams will be carrying out further
repairs and painting to the structure and will do so until the end of June 2025
The nature of our work often means noise and distruption such as footpath closures
is unavoidable, we’re aware we’ll be working close to your home and will try to
minimise distruption as much as possible.
In order to provide a safe segregation between members of the public and our
activities, we will need to close the footpath that runs beneath the viaduct at
intermittent times during our works to allow heavy plant movements. As well as
these short intermittent closures we will also require the following closures during
times of key activities:
           - Scaffold erection over footpath
                    o  WC 20th Feb 0700 - 1730
           - Bridge deck replacement
             5th March 2025 - 20th March 2025 (24hours)

Fallen trees in the valley

On the rock Hill footpath, multiple trees have fallen in that area, a few others away from paths too.

The tree team have added to their storm lists, but as it’s a lower class path with alternative paths it could take a while to be done.  Some path closed fallen tree posters will be made up but probably not until Tuesday 17 Dec 2024.

The only other problem is a big ash fallen over the incline above the velvet path bridge, which can be stepped over

 

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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?

Upcoming events

14 Mar

Volunteer day - Luxulyan Valley

Fri 14th Mar 2025, 9:30am to 3:30pm

Luxulyan Valley Friday 14th March 9.30 -3.30

Rododendron bash, tramway leaf and mud scrape, dog runs and leat bramble cut. All in the area just beyond the meadows.

Meet Black Hill car park SX0584457309 

W3W movements.same.mothering

19 Mar

Annual General Meeting

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

 

Followed by Cornwall Wildlife Trust talk. 

A presentation on the work of the CWT. 

Meet: Luxulyan Village Hall, PL30 5QA

View all events

Interactive map

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