South West Coast Path - Bosveal to Helford Passage
Notes from the South West Coast Path; in this blog series we document the short stretches we've done with the aim of helping others to enjoy it piece by piece. If there is any useful information that we’ve missed out, let us know in the comments!
Bosveal to Helford Passage - 1 mile (and back again) - 2 miles / 3.2 km total
Starting and finishing – Bosveal National Trust car park, TR11 5JR
Halfway turning point – Ferry Boat Inn, Helford Passage, TR11 5LB
Ease of walking
This is a fairly easy walk, the path is a little uneven with tree roots in places and there’s a steeper section as you climb out of Durgan towards Helford Passage. Generally it’s a very pleasant walk along the river, under trees, across meadows and past pretty coves with turquoise waters.
Wildlife
There are always lots of birds around enjoying the ancient trees and rivers edge, including some very friendly robins. The Helford has some rare sea grass beds where seahorses have been spotted which is incredibly exciting and there are some swimming spots along the river known for bio-luminescence in the summer.
Refreshments
You can grab a drink or an ice cream at Durgan from the National Trust kiosk or hold on until you reach Helford Passage and enjoy a proper pub lunch at the Ferry Boat. Even if you’re not hungry, having a drink and watching the river scene is utterly blissful.
Toilets
There are no toilets at the Bosveal car park but there is a public loo in Durgan or you can wait until you get to the Ferry Boat for a comfort break.
Parking
In the winter months the grassy area of the Bosveal car park isn’t open so there can be very limited spaces to park, especially if there’s been a lot of rain recently. I’d arrive early in the day if you want to grab a space in the official car park. Pay at the machine or use your National Trust membership for free parking. You can also park along the road in Mawnan Smith (the village just before you take the turning to Bosveal) this will add an extra half a mile to your walk along country roads.
Time to spare?
Bring your swimmers to have a dip in the river or continue your walk by taking the boat across the Helford river and follow the coast path on towards the Lizard. There are many lovely wild swimming and picnic spots along this stretch of coast so it’s worth exploring to find a peaceful spot for you and your picnic.
