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Exploring the North Helford countryside

Guests at Bosloe House, Bosveal, near Falmouth, Cornwall
Visitors exploring the North Helford countryside at Bosveal, Cornwall | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

The National Trust cares for over 300 acres of countryside extending along several miles of coastline from Glendurgan to Maenporth beach. With a gently undulating landscape leading out to Falmouth Bay, there are wooded valleys, secluded beaches and the Helford River waiting to be explored on foot. Find out more about Bosveal’s best walking spots and what they have to offer.

East towards Maenporth and Falmouth beyond 

Heading east from Durgan, the footpath leads through meadows and woodland areas following the coastline to Rosemullion Head where the Helford River meets Falmouth Bay. 

Wildflowers

This route is especially charming when an abundance of wildflowers lines the footpath. As the route heads towards Falmouth you can spot local landmarks such as St Anthony's Lighthouse and Pendennis Castle in the distance. 

Dog-friendly beaches

There are also coves and beaches to be explored on this route, which are accessible from the coast path. These include Grebe Beach, a five-minute walk from Durgan, as well as Porth Saxon Beach and Prisk Cove further towards Rosemullion Head. All beaches are dog-friendly all year round. 

West towards Helford Passage and The Lizard 

Heading west from Durgan along the re-routed coast path leads to Helford Passage, an historic crossing point of the Helford River.

Guests at Bosloe House, Bosveal, near Falmouth, Cornwall
Visitors exploring the North Helford countryside at Bosveal, Cornwall | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

Helford River walks 

If you’ve not much time to play with, a shorter river walk leads from Bosveal car park and is waymarked so look out for the orange arrows. This route skirts around the outside of Bosloe house and garden and leads out to coastal hay meadows with fine views to the mouth of the river.  

The walk also takes in the beach at Grebe but you can leave this out if you'd prefer to avoid going down and then back up too many sloping paths.

Look out for wildlife

A longer one-hour walk is also waymarked, this time using pink arrows. Like the easier walk it runs past the garden at Bosloe, but once you're in the hay meadow you'll dip down and enter Carwinion Woods. This is a great place to spot mammals and birds, as well as wildflowers.

Reward your walk

At the top of the valley you'll reach the edge of Mawnan Smith village so if you fancy a drink at the pub or café then you'll need to leave the waymarked walk and find your way back later.

Keep on walking 

If you fancy a different route or an hour just isn't long enough for you then there are walks from Durgan Village to Helford Passage (and the waterside Ferryboat Inn) where you can catch a ferry to the other side of the river and further your options. 

Evening light over the water, cliffs and a boat at Bosveal

Discover more at Bosveal

Find out how to get to Bosveal, where to park, the things to see and do and more.

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