ROAD TRIP / CORNWALL
Cornwall Waterfall Road Trip
This Cornwall Waterfall north‑to‑south road trip takes you through dramatic coastal drops, mystical woodland glens, ancient valleys and peaceful nature.
The route at a glance
Why this road trip is worth doing.
This Cornwall Waterfall north‑to‑south road trip takes you through dramatic coastal drops, mystical woodland glens, ancient valleys and peaceful nature reserves.
Cornwall isn’t just beaches and fishing villages — it’s home to some of the most atmospheric waterfalls in the UK. Perfect for explorers, photographers, families and anyone who loves discovering Cornwall’s quieter, more magical side.
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Route overview
This Cornwall Waterfall north‑to‑south road trip takes you through dramatic coastal drops, mystical woodland glens, ancient valleys and peaceful nature.
Follow the route
This Cornwall Waterfall north‑to‑south road trip takes you through dramatic coastal drops, mystical woodland glens, ancient valleys and peaceful nature reserves.
Cornwall isn’t just beaches and fishing villages — it’s home to some of the most atmospheric waterfalls in the UK. Perfect for explorers, photographers, families and anyone who loves discovering Cornwall’s quieter, more magical side.
This route focuses on beauty, atmosphere and adventure, not just the most famous spots.
📍 Waterfalls on This Route
A) Pentargon Waterfall
B) Rocky Valley
C) St Nectan’s Glen
D) Golitha Falls
E) Lansallos Waterfall
F) Luxulyan Valley
G) Kennall Vale
🛑 Full Route Breakdown
A) Pentargon Waterfall – Wild Cliffside Drop Near Boscastle
What to expect: A dramatic 36‑metre waterfall plunging straight from Beeny Cliffs into the cove below, known as Seals’ Hole. Wild, rugged and spectacular — especially after heavy rain. The coastal walk to reach it is just as impressive.
Recommended duration: 45 minutes – 1 hour Distance to next stop (Rocky Valley): ~6 miles / 15 minutes
B) Rocky Valley – Waterfalls, Ancient Carvings & a Magical Gorge
What to expect: A narrow, atmospheric valley carved by the Trevillet River, with small waterfalls, mossy rocks and mysterious Bronze Age labyrinth carvings. A brilliant short walk with loads to explore.
Recommended duration: 45 minutes – 1 hour Distance to next stop (St Nectan’s Glen): ~2 miles / 5 minutes
C) St Nectan’s Glen – Cornwall’s Most Mystical Waterfall
What to expect: A 60‑foot waterfall bursting through a natural rock arch, surrounded by ancient woodland, moss‑covered stones and a peaceful, spiritual atmosphere. One of Cornwall’s most enchanting natural sites.
Recommended duration: 1.5–2 hours Distance to next stop (Golitha Falls): ~24 miles / 40 minutes
D) Golitha Falls – Woodland Cascades Along the River Fowey
What to expect: A long series of cascades and rapids flowing through ancient oak woodland. Great for a scenic walk, photography and wildlife spotting. Beautiful in all seasons.
Recommended duration: 1–2 hours Distance to next stop (Lansallos Waterfall): ~18 miles / 40 minutes
E) Lansallos Waterfall – A Hidden Coastal Gem Near Polperro
What to expect: A small but beautiful waterfall that flows directly onto Lansallos Beach. Peaceful, quiet and perfect for a coastal wander. Ideal for families and those who love secluded spots.
Recommended duration: 45 minutes – 1 hour Distance to next stop (Luxulyan Valley): ~17 miles / 35 minutes
F) Luxulyan Valley – Waterfalls & Industrial Heritage
What to expect: A lush valley filled with small waterfalls, woodland trails and impressive industrial remains including leats, viaducts and old mining structures. A brilliant mix of nature and history.
Recommended duration: 1.5–2 hours Distance to next stop (Kennall Vale): ~22 miles / 45 minutes
G) Kennall Vale – Woodland, Ruins & Cascading Streams
What to expect: A tranquil nature reserve with mossy ruins, old gunpowder works and a series of small waterfalls running through the forest. Atmospheric, peaceful and perfect for slow exploring.
Recommended duration: 1–1.5 hours Distance to end: Final stop
✨ Summary
This Cornish Waterfall Road Trip is perfect for anyone who loves:
- dramatic coastal scenery
- mystical woodland glens
- peaceful nature reserves
- hidden gems away from the crowds
- short walks with big rewards
It’s a stunning way to explore Cornwall’s wilder side — and every stop offers something completely different.
Want more? Check out our facebook page
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This Cornwall Waterfall north‑to‑south road trip takes you through dramatic coastal drops, mystical woodland glens, ancient valleys and peaceful nature reserves.
🌊🚘 Cornish Waterfall Road Trip – Discover Cornwall’s Wildest Hidden Gems
Cornwall isn’t just beaches and fishing villages — it’s home to some of the most atmospheric waterfalls in the UK. Perfect for explorers, photographers, families and anyone who loves discovering Cornwall’s quieter, more magical side.
This route focuses on beauty, atmosphere and adventure, not just the most famous spots.
📍 Waterfalls on This Route
A) Pentargon Waterfall
B) Rocky Valley
C) St Nectan’s Glen
D) Golitha Falls
E) Lansallos Waterfall
F) Luxulyan Valley
G) Kennall Vale
🛑 Full Route Breakdown
A) Pentargon Waterfall – Wild Cliffside Drop Near Boscastle
What to expect: A dramatic 36‑metre waterfall plunging straight from Beeny Cliffs into the cove below, known as Seals’ Hole. Wild, rugged and spectacular — especially after heavy rain. The coastal walk to reach it is just as impressive.
Recommended duration: 45 minutes – 1 hour Distance to next stop (Rocky Valley): ~6 miles / 15 minutes
B) Rocky Valley – Waterfalls, Ancient Carvings & a Magical Gorge
What to expect: A narrow, atmospheric valley carved by the Trevillet River, with small waterfalls, mossy rocks and mysterious Bronze Age labyrinth carvings. A brilliant short walk with loads to explore.
Recommended duration: 45 minutes – 1 hour Distance to next stop (St Nectan’s Glen): ~2 miles / 5 minutes
C) St Nectan’s Glen – Cornwall’s Most Mystical Waterfall
What to expect: A 60‑foot waterfall bursting through a natural rock arch, surrounded by ancient woodland, moss‑covered stones and a peaceful, spiritual atmosphere. One of Cornwall’s most enchanting natural sites.
Recommended duration: 1.5–2 hours Distance to next stop (Golitha Falls): ~24 miles / 40 minutes
D) Golitha Falls – Woodland Cascades Along the River Fowey
What to expect: A long series of cascades and rapids flowing through ancient oak woodland. Great for a scenic walk, photography and wildlife spotting. Beautiful in all seasons.
Recommended duration: 1–2 hours Distance to next stop (Lansallos Waterfall): ~18 miles / 40 minutes
E) Lansallos Waterfall – A Hidden Coastal Gem Near Polperro
What to expect: A small but beautiful waterfall that flows directly onto Lansallos Beach. Peaceful, quiet and perfect for a coastal wander. Ideal for families and those who love secluded spots.
Recommended duration: 45 minutes – 1 hour Distance to next stop (Luxulyan Valley): ~17 miles / 35 minutes
F) Luxulyan Valley – Waterfalls & Industrial Heritage
What to expect: A lush valley filled with small waterfalls, woodland trails and impressive industrial remains including leats, viaducts and old mining structures. A brilliant mix of nature and history.
Recommended duration: 1.5–2 hours Distance to next stop (Kennall Vale): ~22 miles / 45 minutes
G) Kennall Vale – Woodland, Ruins & Cascading Streams
What to expect: A tranquil nature reserve with mossy ruins, old gunpowder works and a series of small waterfalls running through the forest. Atmospheric, peaceful and perfect for slow exploring.
Recommended duration: 1–1.5 hours Distance to end: Final stop
✨ Summary
This Cornish Waterfall Road Trip is perfect for anyone who loves:
- dramatic coastal scenery
- mystical woodland glens
- peaceful nature reserves
- hidden gems away from the crowds
- short walks with big rewards
It’s a stunning way to explore Cornwall’s wilder side — and every stop offers something completely different.
Want more? Check out our facebook page
Before you go
Practical information.
Terrain
This detail has not yet been verified for this route. Check the official visitor information before setting off.
Accessibility
This detail has not yet been verified for this route. Check the official visitor information before setting off.
Toilets and refreshments
This detail has not yet been verified for this route. Check the official visitor information before setting off.
Dogs
This detail has not yet been verified for this route. Check the official visitor information before setting off.
Safety
This detail has not yet been verified for this route. Check the official visitor information before setting off.
Seasonal considerations
This detail has not yet been verified for this route. Check the official visitor information before setting off.
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Cornwall Waterfall Road Trip FAQs.
How much time should I allow?
45 minutes – 1 hour Distance to next stop (Rocky Valley): ~6 miles / 15 minutes
Where does the itinerary begin?
This detail has not yet been verified for this route. Check the official visitor information before setting off.
What should I know about parking?
This detail has not yet been verified for this route. Check the official visitor information before setting off.
What accessibility information is available?
This detail has not yet been verified for this route. Check the official visitor information before setting off.
Where can I find toilets and refreshments?
This detail has not yet been verified for this route. Check the official visitor information before setting off.
Do I need to book ahead?
This detail has not yet been verified for this route. Check the official visitor information before setting off.
Are there seasonal considerations?
This detail has not yet been verified for this route. Check the official visitor information before setting off.
What should I check before travelling?
This detail has not yet been verified for this route. Check the official visitor information before setting off.
Where next?
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