Exploring on foot

🥾 Walks from Curlew Bank & Surrounds

Curlew Bank sits in one of Cornwall’s most beautiful and varied walking areas — where coastal paths, creeks, wildflower meadows and ancient woodlands are right on the doorstep. Many walks begin at the garden gate, others are just a scenic ferry crossing or short drive away.

📃 Maps, Wildlife & Guides at Curlew Bank

You’ll find walking guidebooks and OS Explorer maps at the house — usually on the bookshelf or in the desk drawer in the sitting room. Feel free to borrow them during your stay to help you plan your adventures. We know there isn’t a printer at CB, so we also provide a downloadable PDF of these walks that you can download here and bring with you.

Along the way, you might spot choughs wheeling overhead, oystercatchers on the shoreline, or curlews calling at dusk. Seals sometimes bob in the water below the Herra, and on lucky days you may even see dolphins passing through the bay. Slow worms bask on warm stone walls, and while we’ve never seen one ourselves, adders are known to live in the area — best admired from a safe distance if you spot one!

🌿 1. South West Coast Path: Gillan to Porthallow

Head south past the old boat sheds to Gillan, then climb up to The Herra for sweeping sea views. Continue to The Nare and Porthallow through shady woodland. Great in an easterly wind.

Distance: 4–5 miles | Highlights: Clifftops, woodland, beaches, Fat Apples Café

🕶️ 2. Creekside to St Anthony and Helford

Follow the creek left from the garden gate. At low tide, cross the stepping stones to St Anthony-in-Meneage. At high tide, detour via Carne. Explore Manaccan and Helford Village for ice cream and gifts.

Distance: 4–6 miles | Highlights: Wildlife, creeks, pubs, picturesque villages

📚 3. Helford River Circular (via Frenchman’s Creek)

Start in Helford Village and follow shaded paths past Frenchman’s Creek and Scott’s Quay. A favourite for literary and nature lovers alike.

Distance: 6–6.5 miles | Highlights: Estuary, woodland, literary history

🏖️ 4. Bosveal & Grebe Beach (National Trust)

Waymarked trails through woods and meadows down to secluded Grebe Beach. Great for a dip or picnic. NT car park available nearby.

Distance: 1–2 miles | Highlights: Family-friendly, shady, wild swimming

🔺 5. Coverack to Helford Coastal Walk

Rugged and remote, this full-day walk links Coverack through Porthoustock, Porthallow, Gillan and onto Helford.

Distance: 9–10 miles | Highlights: Clifftops, Bronze Age fields, coastal wilderness

🚣️ 6. Helford Passage & Ferryboat Loop

Take the Helford foot ferry across the river, walk via the Bosahan Estate, and loop back with lunch at the Ferry Boat Inn.

Distance: 4–5 miles | Highlights: Ferry ride, estuary walk, pub

🌺 7. Roseland Peninsula Walks

Catch the ferry or drive 30–40 mins to explore St Mawes, St Just-in-Roseland, Porthcurnick, and St Anthony Head. Remote beaches, historic gardens, and dramatic headlands await.

Distance: 2–6 miles | Highlights: National Trust trails, sea views, beach walks

🍦 8. Durgan & Trebah Gardens

A gentle estuary-side walk from Helford Passage to Durgan, with ice cream by the boathouse and a visit to Trebah Gardens, a sub-tropical ravine garden that leads down to its own beach.

Distance: 2–3 miles | Highlights: Gardens, ice cream, peaceful estuary beach