New Helford Ferry Launched 

The County Council in partnership with Helford River Boats, the National Trust, Trebah Gardens, the Budock Vean Hotel and the West Cornwall Rural Transport Partnership, have launched a new river boat vessel and service on the Helford Estuary.

The new service was launched on 12th July 2004 and will operate in addition to the existing cross-river service providing support in low tide and poor weather conditions due to its specially designed flat-bottomed, front loading design. The vessel has been designed and constructed by a local Cornish boat builders and is the first of its kind.

The new Helford river boat is providing a brand new service in addition to the previous sole existing service on the beautiful Helford estuary.  The previous vessel often cannot operate at very low tides and during inclement weather conditions. This often means that walkers on the South West Coast Path have to wait up to four hours for a crossing or alternatively endure an 18 mile road trip around the estuary.

To overcome the situation a local boat yard from Bryher, Isles of Scilly were put to the task of designing and building a bespoke modal to address the problems. It is anticipated that the new design may be used in other areas around the Country which suffer from similar conditions.

The new vessel is also scheduled on a brand new service visiting nearby attractions, namely Trebah and Glendurgan Gardens, as well as the beautiful waterfront Budock Vean Hotel at Mawnan Smith. The vessel can carry up to 12 passengers and can safely accommodate wheelchairs and bicycles.  Out of core operating hours, it will provide a demand-responsive water taxi service on the estuary. The service will be in operation from Good Friday or 1st April (depending on what comes first) until the end of October.

Please follow this link for a sample of the Helford Ferries Leaflet

Last revised - 16th July 2004