Golitha Falls

Golitha Falls is located on the southern edge of Bodmin Moor – an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Cornwall, England, with amazing flora, fauna and wildlife to spot as you walk around. The legend says there is an old man of the woods called Golitha who can still be seen wandering the woodlands on a full moon. 

Also known as Golitha Falls Nature Reserve, the falls are a series of scenic cascades situated along the River Fowey and surrounded by ancient oak woodland. Over 50 species of liverwort grow here and 98 species of moss, some of which are quite rare. Many wild flower can be admired between April and July. Golitha Falls is also home to a large variety of wildlife including several species of bat, over 30 species of birds which include dipper, nuthatch, treecreeper and buzzard, as well as many species of butterflies and moth. Otters can sometimes be seen playing in the waterfalls. 

The Golitha Falls car park can be found at Draynes Wood. There are two trails that lead to the falls: a shorter, red riverside loop which is easier and flat, leading you past smaller cascades before looping back to the car park; and a longer, yellow trail - steeper, more uneven, strewn with rocks and tree roots, leading to the more significant falls. The paths are usually muddy so it’s advisable to wear waterproof hiking shoes.

Golitha Falls offers abundant swimming and paddling opportunities. It is a dog friendly location but it’s important to note that the area is home to roaming wildlife, so it’s advisable to keep your pet on a leash.