The River Fal, Cornwall - Trelissick to Tregothnan

The Fal is Cornwall's largest estuary and lies between the Roseland and Lizard peninsulas.

It leads from the sea at Falmouth, to the city of Truro 9 miles inland. It is one of the worlds best natural harbours and the deepest in Europe. It has offered shelter to ships for centuries and was considered to be so important that it was defended by two castles built by Henry VIII, which sit either side of the entrance.

This short film sequence shows the river from where it narrows from the main harbour (Carrick Roads) approximately 3 miles from the sea. Its winding reaches still allow ships to navigate to the commercial quay of Newham just outside of Truro.

The area is surrounded by areas of outstanding natural beauty, historic estates and lush gardens. The Fal has also become an important European marine habitat and has areas of special scientific interest. Most recently it has become a special area of conservation along with the Helford.

Its quieter creeks and reaches are abundant with birdlife, which are often visited by rare species. The river is tidal for 11 miles inland from the sea at Falmouth, and the difference between high and low waters can be as much as 5 meters.

The river is also a commercial port, albeit a very beautiful one. Large ships can moor in its deeper reaches.

The 'King Harry' Ferry crosses the river on the path of an ancient pilgrims way between Plymouth and St Michaels Mount. It cuts out 27 miles of road when travelling between the Roseland and Falmouth. Operating every day except Christmas day, it carries around 300,000 vehicles a year.

This area was a strategic location for the preparations of D-Day, and the cottage at Tolverne was used as a secret headquarters as US troops and vehicles gathered in the area. General Eisenhower visited the cottage just a few days before the invasion.

Two large estates dominate the area, Trelissick and Tregothnan. Trelissick is now owned by the National Trust. The private Tregothan estate has been in the same family since the 13th century and since 2005 has grown tea.

This part of the Fal has densley wooded banks and only a few cottages along its shores. There are also some historic quays in the area, which were either used by the estates, or by merchant sailing ships serving the local industries.

Today the river is quiet and unspoilt, despite very industrial activity that took place in the area many years ago. It has very few paths along its shores and is best expereinced from the water itself.

There are numerous boat and river trips available in the area, including our own tours under sail onboard our traditional sailing barge.