A guide to Golitha Falls and Minions on south-east Bodmin Moor, with walks, history and tips from our Boscastle campsite.
On the south-eastern edge of Bodmin Moor, two very different places sit close together. Golitha Falls is a magical woodland gorge, where the River Fowey tumbles over a series of cascades beneath ancient trees. A short drive away, the moorland village of Minions is surrounded by prehistoric stone circles, strange granite tors and the ruins of old mines. Together they make a brilliant day out from our campsite near Boscastle.
Where are Golitha Falls and Minions?
Both lie on the southern side of Bodmin Moor, near the villages of Draynes and St Cleer, north of Liskeard. From Lower Pennycrocker Farm, it's a drive of roughly 25 to 30 miles across or around the moor. Allow plenty of time for the moorland lanes.
Golitha Falls
Golitha Falls is a National Nature Reserve. A woodland path follows the River Fowey downstream through oak and beech woods, with mossy boulders, ferns and lichens. The "falls" are a series of cascades and rapids rather than one big waterfall, and they're at their most impressive after rain.
The walk
From the car park near Draynes Bridge, a fairly level path leads along the river to the falls. It's an easy walk of around a mile each way, but the path can be muddy and rooty, and it gets rougher near the cascades. Wear good shoes.
Wildlife
The ancient woodland is home to a rich range of mosses and lichens. Look out for dippers and grey wagtails on the river, and woodland birds in the trees. In spring, the woods are full of bluebells and wild garlic.
Minions
Minions is said to be one of the highest villages in Cornwall. It's a small place with a big landscape around it: open moorland, grazing ponies and wide views across east Cornwall.
The Hurlers
Just outside the village are the Hurlers, three Bronze Age stone circles set side by side. Legend says they're men turned to stone for playing the game of hurling on a Sunday. You can walk among the stones freely.
The Cheesewring
A short walk north of the Hurlers is the Cheesewring, a natural granite tor of stacked slabs that seems to defy gravity. It sits at the edge of an old quarry. The views from the top of Stowe's Hill are superb, but take care near the quarry edge.
Mining heritage
The moor around Minions is scattered with old engine houses and remains of mining and quarrying. The area is part of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site.
Rillaton Barrow
Near the Hurlers is Rillaton Barrow, a Bronze Age burial mound where a gold cup was found in the 19th century.
A day plan
- Drive from the campsite to Golitha Falls in the morning.
- Walk along the River Fowey to the cascades and back.
- Drive the short distance to Minions for lunch.
- Walk to the Hurlers and up to the Cheesewring.
- Return to the campsite across Bodmin Moor.
Food and drink
Minions is small, but there's usually a tearoom and a pub in or near the village. Check opening times, and bring a picnic as a backup.
With kids
Children love scrambling around the boulders at Golitha (with care), counting the stones at the Hurlers and spotting moorland ponies. The Cheesewring walk is short enough for most families.
With dogs
Dogs are welcome on the woodland and moorland paths. Keep them on a lead near grazing livestock and ponies, and during the ground-nesting bird season on the moor. Read our camping with dogs guide.
What to bring
- Walking boots or sturdy shoes.
- Waterproofs and a warm layer, as the moor can be much colder than the coast.
- A map, as mist can roll in quickly.
- A picnic and water.
- A camera.
Parking
There is a car park near Golitha Falls and parking in Minions. Charges may apply.
Weather and safety
Bodmin Moor weather can change quickly. Mist and low cloud can make navigation tricky on the open moor, so stay on clear paths if visibility drops. At Golitha, rocks near the water can be slippery.
Combine with nearby places
- More of Bodmin Moor: see our Bodmin Moor guide.
- Lanhydrock: see our Lanhydrock guide.
- Launceston: on the way home. See our Launceston day trip.
Why visit from Boscastle?
If you've spent a few days on the coast, Golitha and Minions show a completely different side of Cornwall, with ancient woods, wild moorland and prehistoric monuments. They're also a good choice when the coast is windy.
Staying nearby
Our farm campsite near Boscastle is a quiet base for exploring Bodmin Moor. Adults are £10 per night and children 5 and over are £5. See our walks near Boscastle.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Golitha Falls walk?
Around a mile each way from the car park, on a fairly level but sometimes muddy path.
What are the Hurlers?
Three Bronze Age stone circles next to the village of Minions.
Is the Cheesewring easy to walk to?
Yes. It's a short walk from Minions, with a climb near the top. Take care near the quarry edge.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, on a lead near livestock and ponies.
Want to combine the moor with the coast? Read about camping near Bodmin Moor at our farm near Boscastle.
Stay near Boscastle
Lower Pennycrocker Farm is a quiet, family-run campsite at St Juliot, about two miles from Boscastle (PL35 0BY). We welcome tents, touring caravans, motorhomes and campervans from 1 April to 31 October. Adults are £10 a night, children aged 5 and over £5, electric hook-up £7 and dogs £2 each (maximum two). Showers are free and you park beside your pitch. Check availability and book direct, or see pitches and prices.
