Season: autumn
A flat calm River Helford greeted me for this autumn re-visit, in the morning on a falling tide. The sun glowed silver over the water, from the entrance to Falmouth Bay. There’s always a tranquility to this south-facing beach, generally populated by just the ferry that crosses to the southern bank of the river.
What these visitors take home with them from Cornwall.
The regenerative effect of the beach on two men of the world.
A tranquil start to the day on the beautiful River Helford .
Season: summer
This is a haven for sailing, whether on the Helford River in a dinghy or as a route out to Falmouth Bay and beyond. The swinging moorings were heavily populated and the ferry was plying its trade across the Helford River.
With Jan, preparing to go sailing.
Steve’s time on the beach.
Season: spring
A wild, overnight storm preceded this visit and the residue was still evident, with boats tugging at their swinging moorings, against a strong westerly wind, combined with a strong tide run out to Falmouth Bay. Sunshine mixed evocatively with d
ark, foreboding clouds. The falling tide enabled beach artist Barry to work on the clean sand, making the simple, positive message he talks about in his chat, including the spiritual perfection of Om, the first breath of the world. The blacks, greys and silvers that often follow a storm can feel overbearing, even though the main event has passed.
Barry explains his drawing.
The ebbing of the storm and the tide at the Helford Passage.
Season: winter
The Helford Passage, on the north bank of the Helford River, is an iconic location in Cornwall. It has great natural beauty and is also very popular with visitors in the summer, largely due to the excellent moorings in the river and access out to Falmouth Bay for yachts. There is also a fishing tradition here. Boat hire and shops are available, within walking distance of the beach and the Ferryboat Inn.
With local man Arthur, looking back at a life on the Helford River.
My chat with Chloe, who runs the Ferryboat Inn.
Picking cockles, on the Helford River at low tide.
Peace and quiet, at Helford Passage.
The beach at Helford Passage, viewed from above.