Golitha Falls

It's been a busy summer! With my sister's wedding and plenty of guests (living in Cornwall you are guaranteed a constant flow of house guests). It's been lovely but I am looking forward to quieter times and that balm to the soul - a golden September. Hope so!

Looking back though I wanted to share a favourite place we love to visit in all seasons, Golitha Falls. It's actually where our little Lostwithiel river runs through, the River Fowey, but nearer to its source, on Bodmin Moor. This is the ancient woodland of Draynes Wood, mentioned in the Dooms Day book. The river cascades over giant rocks, best to visit after heavy rains because then you see these falls in all their beauty. 

This year was rather dry but the river was still a beautiful walk. You follow its path as momentum builds, the drop is over 90 meters in total. The area is a National Nature Reserve and a site of Special Scientific Interest, partly due to the stunning wild flowers found here, the 50 species of lichens and over 120 species of moss! 

Bats, otters, moths, salmon and trout a plenty. Dogs are allowed but you need to take care with the wildlife around. This is a great spot for wild swimming too, with some calm pools in amongst the flowing rapids. 

Another draw to this rather popular spot is Inkie's Smokehouse. I have visited here numerous times over the years and it is great seeing it grow to be such a success, but that does mean long queues and a busy car park. The food is delicious though and they are great with allergies and intolerance. We always take a goodie bag home as it's way too much! 

What I like about this particular spot is how varied it is. We have come here with relatives who can't walk far and have just walked a little by the river and that's been lovely. I have come here with boisterous boys who want to climb every boulder and scale the hills that surround, and loved it. If you choose your time right it can be an ideal romantic destination or just a little exercise to justify the giant portions you're about to enjoy at Inkie's!

It might be me, but it also feels slightly different every time I come, paths change, the scenery shifts and just like the fast-flowing river, it's never quite the same. But I welcome that.