Crossing the rivers of the South West Coast Path – Part 1
There are at least 17 rivers that require some sort of planning when walking the South West Coast Path. Here’s our handy guide to each river and how to cross it. This article covers the 8 Rivers of Somerset, North Devon and Cornwall.
Click here for Part 2 South Devon & Dorset
THE RIVER CROSSINGS OF THE SOUTH WEST COAST PATH –
PART 1 SOMERSET, NORTH DEVON & CORNWALL
River Torridge, North Devon
Location: Between Instow and Appledore.
Ferry required?: This crossing is optional. Using the ferry will reduce your walking by approximately 6 miles. Most walkers choose to walk along the river to Bideford and cross using the bridge.
Operated by: Appledore Ferries. See Facebook for daily updates and here for an advanced timetable. Card Payments only.
Dates: 1st April to 31st October.
Times: Vary depending upon tide. Check the timetable above.
Alternative options: Walk around the river or use the Instow to Appledore bus.
River Camel, North Cornwall
Location: Between Rock & Padstow.
Ferry required?: Yes, you will need to use the ferry to cross the River Camel.
Operated by: Black Tor Ferries. Check here for timetable. Card Payments only.
Dates: Operates all year.
Times: See timetable above.
Alternative option: A private water taxi may be available.
River Gannel, North Cornwall (UPDATED 06/04/23)
Location: Between Newquay & Crantock.
Ferry required?: Sometimes. The ferry operates from Fern Pit Cafe 3 hours either side of high time. 3 hours either side of low tide, a footbridge is available at this location.
Operated by: Fern Pit Cafe. See Facebook for up to date information.
Dates: The ferry operates from the 20th May until 20th September.
Times: 9.30am-6.00pm
Alternative options: If the tide is higher than the footbridge and the ferry is not operating, then there are 2 other bridges available further up the river. Penpol Bridge (+1 mile) & Trenance Bridge (+2.5 miles).
Gillan Creek, South Cornwall (UPDATED 07/06/23)
Location: Between Gillan & St Anthony
Ferry required?: No
Operated by: Sailaway St Anthony (01326 231357). This ferry accepts both cash and card payments.
Dates: The ferry operates 7 days per week until the end of September
Times: 09:00am – 5.00pm on demand
Alternative options: 3 hours either side of low tide, the stepping stones will be visible. If using the stepping stones, please be careful. Alternatively, please walk the additional 1 mile around the creek.
Helford River, South Cornwall
Location: Between Helford Village and Helford Passage
Ferry required?: Yes.
Operated by: Helford River Boats. Click here for more information. Their Facebook page provides daily sailing information. This ferry accepts both cash and card payments.
Dates: 1st April to 31st October.
Times: 09.30am – 5.00pm. In the peak summer months the ferry may run into the evening.
Alternative option: If the ferry is not operating, the only option is a very expensive taxi around the river.
River Fal, South Cornwall
Location: Between Falmouth & St Mawes / St Mawes & Place
Ferry required?: Yes.
Operated by: Fal River. This ferry accepts both cash and card payments.
Dates: The ferry between Falmouth and St Mawes operates all year round. The ferry between St Mawes and Place operates April to October.
Times: Please see timetables. (Falmouth to St Mawes / St Mawes to Place)
Alternative option: A water taxi may operate.
TIP – Visit the above website to save up to 10% by buying a ‘Coast Path Explorer’ ticket which can be used on both crossings.
River Fowey, South Cornwall
Location: Between Fowey & Polruan
Ferry required?: Yes
Operated by: C. Toms & Son Ltd. This ferry accepts both cash and card payments.
Dates: Operates all year
Times: Vary depending on time of year. Click here for timetable.
Alternative option: A taxi around the river
River Tamar, South Cornwall & South Devon Border
Option 1 – Official Route
Location: Between Cremyll & Stonehouse, Plymouth
Ferry required?: Yes
Operated by: Plymouth Boat Trips. Card payments preferred.
Dates: Operates all year
Times: vary depending on time of year. Click here for more information.
Alternative option: Further up the River Tamar, there is the Torpoint ferry.
Option 2 – For those not concerned with walking every step of the coast path
Location: Between Cremyll, Royal William Yard & The Barbican
Ferry required?: Yes
Operated by: Plymouth Boat Trips. Card payments preferred.
Dates: Operates 1st April – 29th October
Times: 6-7 trips per day, but please click here for more information.
Why use this ferry: The official coast path includes approximately 3 miles of walking through Plymouth between Stonehouse and The Barbican. This alternative ferry is a lovely scenic trip from Cremyl to The Barbican via Royal William Yard.
We try to keep this information up to date, so if you do spot a mistake please let us know so we can update it for your fellow walkers.
To view Crossing the rivers of the South West Coast Path – Part 2, please click here.