The first section of the trail follows the River Twiss through Swilla Glen, a deep glen cut into carboniferous limestone with woodland of oak, ash, birch and hazel. A variety of wild ground plants are to be found here, such as bluebells and dogs mercury.

Mosses and ferns thrive in the moist conditions of the limestone gorge in this area. After crossing the footbridge (Manor Bridge) the path leads you towards Pecca Falls.