The River Helford, located in Cornwall, offers a beautiful paddling experience for kayakers and canoeists of all levels. Flowing through lush countryside and wooded valleys, the river eventually opens into a stunning estuary. The upper reaches near Gweek provide calm, sheltered waters, perfect for beginners and family paddles. This peaceful section is lined with trees and marshland, offering a secluded atmosphere ideal for a relaxing journey.
As you paddle downstream, the river widens and enters the estuary, where tidal flats and salt marshes create a unique paddling environment. The estuary is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds and seals, adding to the charm of the experience. For more experienced paddlers, the tidal flow in the estuary offers a bit more challenge, with occasional tidal races closer to the river mouth.
The route from Helford village to the sea is particularly rewarding, with hidden coves, beaches, and the historic Helford Passage to explore. Whether navigating the tranquil upper sections or tackling the tidal waters, the River Helford provides a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure, making it an ideal destination for paddlers looking to enjoy Cornwall’s natural beauty.
River Helford
| Launches | Public Routes | Known Hazards | Parking |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
WATERWAYS LICENCES
Many waterways in England and Wales require a licence to paddle. Check the licence section below to see if this is one. Save money on your licence and secure paddling insurance by joining British Canoeing. Use our easy step RapidJoin process. Open the slider to join.
Welcome to PaddlePoints Waterways. These pages focus on individual bodies of water across the UK. On this page you'll find a map, launches, routes, licensing information, paddle trail downloads, services, and more about one particular river or canal. For the full PaddlePoints with search bar follow this link.
PaddlePoints can be accessed without creating a free account, but registering will allow you to map your own public and private routes on this waterway. You will also be able to comment on others' points, upload images, and create Personal Information Markers to receive updates about new routes and points.
You can use the buttons above to access map information on other waterways. Simply toggle the waterway to display it. If you do, note that the content surrounding the map area will remain the same. Use the green file icon next to the toggle if you want to open another dedicated river or canal page with relevant licensing information.
Use the icon above to access the legend. All map points, rivers, and canals information will appear in this section here. Click or tap a point on the map to display the information. Actual routes will appear on the map.
River Licensing Information
Licence Required?
No licence required
