Luxulyan: Valley, Trails and Industrial Heritage

Luxulyan combines a striking valley landscape with traces of industrial and architectural history. In Luxulyan Valley, the River Par flows through a densely wooded valley with steep slopes near St Blazey. Carmears Wood lies in the valley and is classified as ancient semi-natural woodland; its trees consist of mature broadleaf woodland. This combination is appealing when choosing a destination if you would like to explore both the landscape and historic structures.

Valley and trails in Luxulyan

The signposted footpath from Luxulyan station to Treffry Viaduct partly follows the Saints’ Way. Trail conditions may change; check them before setting out. The Saints’ Way runs through the parish of Luxulyan and across mid-Cornwall, from Padstow on the north coast to Fowey on the south coast. Its total length is approximately 30 miles, or 48 kilometres. This means the route can be considered at two scales: as a footpath to the viaduct that partly follows the Saints’ Way, and as a longer connection between the coasts. A National Cycle Route also runs through the parish. It adds a cycling route to the available route options, without requiring a specific route or route number.

Treffry Viaduct: structure and purpose

Joseph Treffry had Treffry Viaduct built between 1839 and 1844 to carry a mineral railway from St Blazey and Par to Newquay. Its purpose connects the structure’s history with a specific transport link. The structure is a combined viaduct and aqueduct made of granite, with ten arches. It is about 200 metres long and stands up to 27 metres above the valley floor. The two measurements describe different aspects: the length indicates the structure’s extent, while the height describes its position above the valley. Treffry Viaduct is the earliest granite structure of its kind in the region.

Parish church and well house

The Church of St Ciricius and St Julitta is a Perpendicular parish church dating from the mid to late 15th century. The style and date offer different clues: one concerns the architecture, the other the historical period. East of Luxulyan parish church, St Cyor’s Well lies in a small paved courtyard. The medieval holy well house is a different type of historic structure from the parish church. Self-service refreshments are available to visitors in the church; this may change.

Practical visitor information

Luxulyan Valley is open to visitors every day throughout the year; free parking is available in limited quantities. Check before your visit whether this information is still current. It is also a good idea to check current conditions when planning your route, particularly for the footpath to Treffry Viaduct. Information about the routes varies by scale and mode of travel: the footpath leads to the viaduct, the Saints’ Way connects the two coasts, and the National Cycle Route runs through the parish.

Discover more destinations: St Kew, Antony, Gwennap, Saint Merryn, Gerrans, Lelant, Germoe, Padstow

For the main travel overview: Cornwall.