Helford River - Villages, Ferries and Harbours

Villages, Ferries and Harbours

The main areas of settlement that adjoin the river are Gweek, Port Navas, Helford village, Helford Passage and Durgan. Gweek is larger than the others and has a larger permanent population, with more businesses, shops and a pub, The Gweek Inn. Helford village, on the south bank, has a shop/Post Office, Helford River Sailing Club and pub, The Shipwrights. Helford Passage, on the North bank, has a pub, The Ferryboat. Helford and Helford Passage are linked by a passenger (and pedal cycle) ferry which has existed for over 300 years.

Port Navas is home to the Duchy Oyster Farm and has at its focal point the Grade II listed Port Navas Quay. The quay, owned by the Duchy of Cornwall, has been allowed to become degraded and damaged. A campaign group has been set up to protect and preserve Port Navas Quay and to reverse associated environmental damage in the Helford River Area: this is Preserve Port Navas Quay. Where once granite was loaded on to ships bound eastwards for building some of the country's major buildings and roads the oyster fishery is expanding and there are moorings for yachts.