The village of Helford, and the gardens of Trebah are both picturesque places, there’s no better way of travelling between the two than by boat across the historic river crossing between Helford and Helford Passage. Helford river is tidal, it’s worth checking the ferry times for the day as crossings are paused when the tide is very low. The service is operated by Helford River Boats between April and October.
Helford village has a large, reasonably priced pay and display car park that makes a great starting point. Leave the car park, heading down hill, cross the river and keep the river on your right, to Ferry Point. This begins as a quiet road walk, passing the village shop and Shipwrights Arms pub, as the road heads steeply up hill follow the lane in front that continues alongside the river.
The Ferry is operated from the opposite side of the river at Helford Passage, to call the ferry across open the yellow circular sign to signal that you are waiting. Take a seat, and watch the small ferry head towards towards you. Once onboard, enjoy the different vantage point from the ferry that this short journey gives you, weaving between moored boats and operating as a water taxi when required.
On arrival at Helford Passage walk up to the quiet road and head right along the road at the top of the beach (dogs are not allowed on the beach). At the far end of the beach a footpath heads uphill for a short distance, before levelling out for an easy walk towards the river mouth that can be seen in the distance. Join a road for a short distance down hill, and see Trebah gardens on your left and Trebah beach on your right, neither places can be entered from this path. Continue along the path, across a field that joins a lane after a short distance. If you head up hill a path leads to Trebah entrance, if you head down hill you arrive at the pretty beach at Durgan, passing the entrance to Glendurgan gardens.
Trebah reception provides you with the information needed to make the most of your visit. Here there is a café, gift shop and area selling plants. Dogs on short leads are welcome at Trebah.
Trebah gardens are full of interesting areas, shaded seating under tree ferns and seats on high ground overlooking the gardens with distant glimpses of Helford river. Ponds magnify the floral beauty around them, in summer the pastel coloured hydrangeas reflecting in the ponds are a stunning sight to behold. Paths through the chunky stemmed gunnera, with their giant leaves high overhead evoke the intrepid explorer feeling! The gardens are a relaxing haven to immerse yourself in the beautiful natural environment.
Before leaving the gardens it’s worth spending some time on Trebah’s private beach, a great place for a paddle or a swim. All this can be topped off with and an ice cream, available from the beach, while watching beach and river life.
Head back up through the gardens to leave near the entrance. The path back to the ferry in this direction provides views inland, you may even notice Trebah beach from a different angle. From Helford Passage there is the opportunity to enjoy The Ferry Boat Inn, before catching the ferry back to Helford and reminiscing on the sights you’ve seen.
The Practicalities
The length of the walk varies depending on how much walking you do in the gardens, a likely walk length is approximately 5 miles. The footpath from the ferry to the gardens is quite gentle and about a mile.
In Helford both Holy Mackerel and the Shipwright’s Arms offer great places to eat and are dog friendly. Helford shop offers an opportunity to restock.
The Ferry Boat Inn at Helford River Passage offers food with a great view of the river. It’s dog friendly too.
There are public toilets situated in Helford car park.
Dogs travel for free on the ferry!
Cornish Hamlet Life 