Golitha Falls and Siblyback Lake Walk

Walking the Golitha Falls and Siblyback Lake Trail is a fun and relatively straightforward adventure, although it will take you on some lightly marked paths that can be overgrown at times. In order to better traverse this route, be sure to wear proper walking boots and bring a GPS to remain on the trail. Additionally, parking can be limited during peak hours at the trailhead, so arrive early if you want to easily secure a space.

Even though there will be some rough going along the trail, this is a fantastic walk that will expose you to some beautifully scenic sights. In addition to the open fields and charming forests of the Cornwall landscape, you will have the opportunity to take in the cascading waters of the Golitha Falls and the lovely surface of Siblyback Lake, making this a great adventure to burn up a few hours on the weekend.

Setting out from the car park, head to the northwest along the road for 170ft and turn left in order to enter into the tree cover. From here, you will make your way along the route as it leads to the southwest, keeping straight for 0.3mi to arrive at a fork. Head left here and follow the track a short distance until you meet up with a footpath near the banks of the River Fowey.

Heading to the left here, you will make your way past the Golitha Falls, a series of cascades along the river that add a truly beautiful element to the forested portion of the walk. From here, you will follow along the banks of the River Fowey as they head to the northeast. Keep right along the trail here for 0.3mi to make your way through the charming forest and past the information board, where you will come to a junction with the road directly across from Inky’s Smokehouse. This is a great spot to stop for a quick snack before making your way along the second section of the walk around the lake.

The remainder of this adventure will largely follow the Siblyback Lake Trail, which is another great option if you are looking to explore the area without the forested leg. From the junction with the road, head right for 155ft to cross over the River Fowey, before turning left at the next junction. From here, you will make your way to the north for 0.7mi, where you will meet up with a lane branching off to the right.

Follow this lane and make your way through the gate, keeping to the right for 0.3mi to arrive at another gate near the shores of Siblyback Lake. Head through the gate and turn left at the first junction in order to begin making your way around the lake in a clockwise direction. Here, you will skirt around the water’s edge for 2.07mi, enjoying the views across the calm surface of the lake and Tregarrick Tor in behind to the east as you pass by open fields and small stretches of woodland terrain.

After passing by the Siblyback Lake Activity Centre and the Olive & Co. Cafe on your left, head right along the road for 0.2mi until you find a footpath branching off to the right. Follow this path along the edge of the water for 0.6mi, where you will come back to a gate that you had previously passed through earlier on your walk. Once there, you will head to the southeast through the open fields on your left, traversing the farmland of Bulland Downs for 0.5mi until you pass through a small wood and meet up with a lane.

Head right here along the lane for 0.1mi, where you will branch off to the right on a dirt track that runs parallel to a small stream. Follow this west for 0.4mi across the lightly forested terrain in order to arrive at the edge of the road that will lead you back to the car park. Turn left along the road and follow it for 0.2mi, heading right to arrive back at the trailhead having completed the Golitha Falls and Siblyback Lake Walk.
Trail Highlights

Golitha Falls

Located within Draynes Wood along the winding banks of the River Fowey, the Golitha Falls are a series of cascades along the river, making it an exceptionally scenic destination. While there isn’t one large drop, the falls continuously descend for 90m through a craggy gorge, creating a fast-flowing waterway that is surrounded by moss-covered rock and mature trees. This is often described as one of the most picturesque locations around Bodmin Moor.

Siblyback Lake

Situated in Cornwall along the edge of Bodmin Moor, Siblyback Lake is a beautifully scenic man-made reservoir and dam that was constructed in 1968. Controlling the water levels of the nearby River Fowley, the Siblyback Lake can retain 3 billion litres and supplies drinking water to the neighbouring towns and villages of the surrounding area. In addition to its functional purpose, the lake is also a popular destination for water sport enthusiasts and anglers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have to pay for Golitha Falls?

Fortunately, the Golitha Falls flow through a national nature reserve that is open year-round and features free admission.

Can you do watersports on Siblyback Lake?

Paddleboarding, canoeing, kayaking, and a variety of other watersports can be done at Siblyback Lake. You can either bring your own equipment or rent some at the activity centre.