Helford and Frenchman’s Creek Circular Walk

Walking the Helford and Frenchman’s Creek Circular Trail will see you explore a mixture of village streets, woodland paths, and open fields that will require proper walking footwear to traverse. Additionally, some of the forest and creekside paths can become quite muddy after periods of rainy weather, so make sure to bring waterproof boots or wellies depending on the conditions. Parking at the trailhead can also be limited during peak hours, so make sure to arrive early or during off-peak times to secure a space.

Although trail conditions along this route aren’t always ideal, the beautiful views along the Helford River are always spectacular. When combined with the chance to explore the surrounding woodlands and the village of Helford itself, this is an excellent walking route that can be enjoyed by a variety of outdoor enthusiasts.

Setting out from the car park, you will make your way to the southwest for 445ft and cross the bridge over Helford Creek, keeping right along the road to make your way into the village. After passing by the Shipwrights Arms, continue on for 135ft and turn left onto a track, following it west for 185ft to pick up a footpath on the right. Here, you will make your way past several buildings and keep left through the tree cover to skirt around Penarvon Cove.

From the beach, keep right along the trail for the next 475ft, climbing uphill to pass by the Penarvon Cabin and eventually arrive at a junction. Taking the path to the right, you will complete a quick 0.4mi loop through the forest that offers some intermittent views of the Helford River. Once you arrive back at the junction, take the path on the right and follow it southwest for 0.4mi to exit the tree cover and reach a junction with the road.

Head right along the road and keep left to make your way downhill through a stretch of farmland, eventually entering into a lovely forest along the banks of Frenchman’s River. After crossing over a small bridge, make your way south along the trail for the next 0.6mi, taking some time to appreciate the tranquil beauty of the forested creekside setting, before arriving at a junction with a track.

Turning left here, you will climb uphill and pass through Kestle Barton, descending the opposite side of the hill into a wooded glen along Helford Creek. Following the path as it turns to the north, you will eventually exit the dense cover of the forested glen to pass by the Holy Mackerel Cafe on the way into the car park where you started the Helford and Frenchman’s Creek Circular Walk.

Trail Highlights

Helford River and Frenchman’s Creek

Situated in Cornwall, the Helford River is actually a flooded river valley or ria that is fed by seven creeks: Mawgan Creek, Polwheveral Creek, Frenchman’s Creek, Polpenwith Creek, Port Navas Creek, Gillan Creek, and Ponsontuel Creek. Frenchman’s Creek, which flows to the west of the village of Helford, is best known for inspiring the Daphne du Maurier novel, Frenchman’s Creek.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you swim the Helford River?

The Helford River is a popular place with wild swimmers, just be sure to exercise caution when exploring the waterway.

Where is the Helford River?

The Helford River is an estuary that can be found on the eastern end of the Lizard Peninsula, along the west edge of Falmouth Bay.