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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Ongoing improvements for access to the Valley

You may have noticed a lot of disruption in the Valley lately. Work funded by Cornwall Council is going on to improve and repair its access, footpaths, picnic areas, biodiversity and to protect its industrial remains. This unfortunately creates unsightly ruts and material deposits whilst worked is carried out. Cormac assures us that all areas affected will be re-instated once the work is complete and that safety inspections are carried out regularly. Look out for more information to appear on our website blog.

Sewage Sleuths

Read our new blog article on river monitoring and the search for phosphate pollution in the river Par

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

15 Dec

Christmas Social and UK National Parks

Wed 15th Dec 2021, 7:30pm to 9:00pm

Come and enjoy an evening of Christmas indulgences, and a presentation by Tracy Elliot on the UK's National Parks and other specially designated Areas of National Interest.

Meet at 7.30pm: Luxulyan Village Hall, PL30 5QA

19 Jan

StARR Project

Wed 19th Jan 2022, 7:30pm to 9:00pm

A presentation about the St Austell Bay Resilient Regeneration Project, and its aims to reduce flood risk to the local communities of St Austell Bay, Par and St Blazey.

Meet at 7.30pm: Luxulyan Village Hall, PL30 5QA

View all events

Interactive map

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