Camel Estuary
Daymer Bay
Devoran
Fowey
Gweek
Hayle
Hayle Beach
Hayle Estuary
Helford Passage
Helford River
Helford River Sailing Club
King Harry Ferry
Lerryn
Loe Beach
Lostwithiel
Malpas
Mawgan Creek
Mylor Harbour
Penryn
Point
Port Navas
Port Navas Creek
Porthkidney Sands
Restronguet Point
River Gannel
Rock
St Clement
St Just in Roseland
St Winnow
Tremayne Quay
Truro
Take a 360° virtual tour of some of Cornwall’s rivers and estuaries
With the longest coastline in Britain, it’s no surprise that Cornwall also has many stunning estuaries and rivers. Most of these have villages and towns situated near on on them, and Truro itself, Cornwall’s one and only city, has a river running through it – the Truro River.
The landscape of these areas changes dramatically with the tides. At low tides, estuaries and bars such as the Doom Bar between Padstow and Rock, reveal wide sandy expanses. Others are less dramatic, yet provide fantastic views with many footpaths to be found, perfect for walkers. In towns such as Penryn, mud flats are exposed when the tide is low and these can be surprisingly deep and viscous, so care should be taken when visiting such areas. Always check the tides as when the land is very flat, the tide can race in very quickly, potentially stranding unwary walkers.
The rivers and estuaries of Cornwall provide a wealth of natural habitats for birds such as avocets, curlews, herons, little egrets and so on. Eelgrass can be found on the sheltered riverbeds of the Helford Passage and the lush underwater grassy tufts provide vital shelter for crabs and young fish. Other marine creatures also use the eelgrass as a nursery and to anchor their eggs.
Colourful boats anchored or pulled up on the exposed flats are a common sight in many of the rivers and estuaries around the county, and on a sunny day there is nowhere better to enjoy a refreshing drink at a local pub and watch the world go by.