Helford Short Walks
Helford Short Walks
There aren't many better ways to spend a lazy day walking than taking in the Helford River.
The famous Helford River is an unspoilt estuary that stretches from its rocky entrance on the edge of Falmouth Bay to the old port of Gweek at the river’s head.
Around the river you can enjoy a series of achievable short walks that link up with sub-tropical gardens, a sprinkling of waterside pubs, quirky galleries, stunning unspoilt scenery and the iconic Frenchman’s Creek, made famous by Daphne du Maurier’s classic novel.
Starting Point: Helford Passage
Distance: 1-5 miles
Duration: 1 hour to a full lazy day
Grading: Easy
End Point: Wherever you choose
On the way: The Ferryboat Inn. Glendurgan. Trebah Gardens. Frenchman's Creek.
Walk Map
Detailed walk information
Take the bus out to the crossroads at Helford Passage and walk down the road to the beach at Helford Passage. Bar Road is on your right and opposite is the view of the mouth of the Helford River (picture 1st page top left).
Here are a few possibilities for some walks. A map is required for some self exploration:-
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3 miles. From Helford Passage walk along the coast to Durgan past the beach at Trebah. At Durgan walk up the road out of the village and on your right is a path that leads down to Grebe Beach. Mostly locals know about this beach. Walk back into Durgan and up the valley path to the crossroads where the bus stop is. To continue turn left back down to Bar Road on your right. Turn right along it for half a mile. Watch out for the footpath sign on your left to take you down to Pedn Billy beach. From here turn left to take you back to Helford Passage.
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Up to 6 miles. Cross the River by the Ferry. Walk into the village of Helford, cross the bridge onto the opposite bank and walk left to the car park where the “Down by the River” café is. The South West Coast Path follows the path that leads to the left (with your back to the café) on the other side of the car park fence. This takes you past various beaches that are accessible until you reach Dennis Head after 2.5 miles or and hour and a half walk. Either head the same way back or for a bit of a road walk head down hill to Gillan creek and the church of St Anthony in Meneague. Before the church follow the road uphill with the church on your left, eventually past the entrance to Bosahan estate. At the crossroads turn right down to Helford. This road walk adds another 2.5- 3 miles.
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Up to 6 miles. Cross on the Ferry. At Helford walk from the ferry and at the fork go uphill for 50 metres and take the right hand path that leads to Penarvon Cove. Carry on around the riverside and turn left up stairs and through a property. Yes this is a public right of way. Coming out of their drive either go ahead and do a small circular around the wonderful wood looking out for a small chapel on the rivers edge. Walk up the road up the hill and turn right at the T junction. You will see a line of pine trees and after 400 metres the Helford River view will take your breath away. Walk down hill to your left and you are at the mouth of Frenchmans Creek (picture above, right). Turn left into it and imagine yourself in Daphne Du Mauriers novel awaiting the pirate ship. At the end after a mile or so walk up the steep road to the main road. Cross over stopping at Kestle Barton garden and artist studio. Worth a visit if they have an exhibition on. Carry on down through the courtyard and after the gate left down to the woods. Turn left down to Helford village. The ferry is to your left past the village shop.
Public transport information
Helford River Boats ferry across the Helford runs from Easter to end of October. Bus from Falmouth is the number 35.
Nearest Toilets and Nearest Disabled Toilets
Ask at the Ferryboat Inn.
Nearest Car parks and Nearest Car Parks with disabled provision
Car park above the Ferryboat Inn.
Nearest refreshments
Pubs on both sides of the Helford River in Helford and the Ferryboat at Helford Passage.
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