( Overview
/ Two Scilly Bullocks on a Boat
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George took us over to Helford Passage. The earliest known reference to a franchise for the operation of a ferry is by a Charter of King Canute in 1023. Horses and carts were transported until the beginning of the 20th century, with the animals swimming astern, tethered by a rope.
In Helford Passage Cove, the ferry has a movable pontoon so can be used at all states of the tide.
The Ferry Boat Inn in Helford Passage on the Falmouth side of the river.
Wanting to visit Mawnan Smith, where Ollie and Lucy stayed in 2020, we climbed the steep road out of the bay.
The Red Lion is said to have a mischievous ghost.
The first recorded landlord was Walter Lowry in 1695, when it had a small-holding and a brew house (probably this present high ceilinged bar).
The thatched, cob walled pub, converted from three cottages, is reputed to date back to the 15th century.
We hoped this glamorous reminder about the speed limit isn’t too distracting.
Our route took us through Glendurgan Garden. Given to the National Trust in 1962, it was begun by Alfred and Sarah Fox in the 1820s.
Alfred and Sarah had 12 children, so their focus was adventure and play as well as relaxation and reflection. Today there is lots to entertain, including the cherry laurel maze and Giant’s Stride rope swing.
The path leads down to the cove of Durgan, which was purchased by Alfred Fox in 1823.
Now mainly holiday let cottages, it was a thriving fishing cove with fish cellars, donkey sheds, coal yard, chapel and ale house. A Schoolroom was built over a fish cellar in 1876.
The South West Coast path goes through here, and seems to be a popular lunch spot.
Joining the coast path we headed back to Helford Passage.
Leaving the woods there were lovely views of the river.
View over into Trebah Garden. Development of the gardens began in the 1840s.
Something unusual in the UK (we think), Polgwidden Cove is Trebah’s private beach, accessible from the main garden entrance only. During the 1960s Trebah was owned by the designer and driver of Healey cars, Donald Healey.
Early in 1944, in just a few days, a military or tank road was built leading from the established road to Helford Passage. The foreshore was also encased in a concrete mat and a 46m jetty protruded out into the river, allowing ten flat bottomed landing craft to moor.
In June 1944, the US 29th Infantry Division embarked for Operation Overlord from here for the assault on Omaha Beach, Normandy. Polgwidden Cove was consequently given the nickname Yankee Beach.
Avalon on her mooring buoy in the river. Stopping at the busy Ferry Boat Inn for a late lunch, and accompanied by a singer / guitar player, we returned to Avalon on the water taxi in the early evening.
Although the wind continued into the evening, whilst we watched Alcaraz and Djokovic’s exciting final at Wimbledon on catch up, the river became very calm over night.
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