The Helford River

The Helford River is a delightful unspoilt estuary stretching from the outer edge of Falmouth Bay up to the old port of Gweek.

In the broad lower reaches open fields run down to a rocky shore dotted with little beaches. On the north bank the beautiful valley gardens of Glendurgan and Trebah lead down to Durgan village and Polwigwidden Cove; famous for its part in the D-day embarkation.

Where the river narrows, Helford on the south shore and Helford Passage on the north are still linked by a pedestrian ferry that has been in operation since the Middle Ages. This part of the river is now largely given over to yacht moorings, with a handful of active fishing boats.

Around the corner is Port Navas, where hugh granite blocks were once loaded for shipment to London and beyond. Further up river, past the oyster beds and beyond Frenchman’s Creek to the south and Polwheveral to the north, ancient oak woods line the banks creating a truly timeless atmosphere.