FOOTPATH IMPROVEMENTS ARE COMING 

The 1km Carmears Tramway was constructed around 1840 as part of JT Treffry’s ambitious plans to create a trans-peninsular tramway linking Par with Newquay. This section connects the Treffry Viaduct with the 1:8 Carmears Incline from Ponts Mill, via the Wheelpit. There are still original tramway rails in-situ, representing probably one of only a handful of sites in the country where this is still the case. After many decades of neglect this important historical link between these dominant industrial structures has become virtually impossible to walk in anything other than after a prolonged dry period, and deserves to be given a new lease of life for all.

‘The Friends of Luxulyan Valley’ have long sought to achieve improvements and protect the valley’s footpaths. Following a survey of the Carmears Tramway undertaken in spring 2011 by Council Officers, the Valley Ranger and ‘The Friends’ a project brief for what could be done to improve the tramway between the boardwalk and the Wheelpit was produced.

A metal detecting survey would be undertaken to identify hidden ‘chair’s’ and/or rails that would need careful hand attention. The mechanical scraping of the surface wherever possible would remove up to 200mm of accumulated clay and mud to a depth approximately 50mm below the surface of the granite setts, and to a width of at least 300mm beyond the outside of the tramway. The creation of additional drainage channels and the removal of saplings as necessary would also be undertaken before finally back filling and levelling off using the decomposed granite on site, previously used for the resurfacing of the repairs undertaken to Fowey Consols leat path and the incline. The upper surface of the granite setts would remain visible wherever possible and the tramway rails/chairs would remain in-situ, thus making it far easier for any visitor to identify the original purpose of this footpath.

Estimates for these works were sought, but an essential part of the process in carrying out these improvements to the Carmears Tramway will be to survey and record all that is revealed. Cornwall Council’s Historic Environment Service department have agreed to undertake this aspect of the work on our behalf. In addition, and to help attract further grants, an educational element was also included in the proposals. The Trustees of ‘The Friends of Luxulyan Valley’ unanimously voted to support this project, and we agreed to make £10,000 available from our funds.

Since then support for the refurbishment of this important path in the Luxulyan Valley has been very gratifying, and we have now received generous donations from Councillor Sally Bain’s Council Community Chest, St Blaise Town Council, Cornwall Heritage Trust and the Clay Country Local Action Group. Letters of support have also been received from Luxulyan Parish Council, Luxulyan School and many individuals.

Special thanks must also go to David Atwell, Cornwall Council’s Countryside Services Manager. His support for this project, and generous offer to let the Council be the representative body to handle all the finances involved, has meant that we do not need to fund the VAT.

We now have all the necessary funds in place to proceed.

We anticipate that the refurbishment work will be undertaken in spring 2012 subject to suitable weather. Should this be the case, for safety reasons, the Carmears Tramway will be closed during the expected 8 week period of work. As much notice as possible will be given and closure notices will be placed at either end of the Tramway warning of the works. PLEASE RESPECT THESE SIGNS. For up to date information on this project please return to this website.

We apologise for any inconvenience, but this work will benefit everyone in the long run.