With its meandering waterways, hidden coves, and lush greenery embracing the shores, the beautiful Helford River is a paddler's paradise and an enchanting experience for nature lovers.
Some of the Aspects Holidays team were lucky enough to be invited to experience a captivating kayaking adventure, led by Koru Kayaking, on this majestic waterway.
After parking, we took a short stroll through exquisite tropical gardens, down to the picturesque shoreline. Koru owner Hetty and our guide Emma met us by the water with the warmest welcome. Before setting off, Emma ensured that each of us was equipped with the necessary gear and provided a comprehensive overview of kayaking fundamentals, including invaluable tips on paddling techniques and navigating the kayak. Tailoring her guidance to accommodate both seasoned and novice kayakers, Emma shared some great tips, preparing us for the upcoming journey!
In pairs, we hopped into our two-man kayaks and set off. Koru offers two kayaking experiences on the Helford River, you can explore the sandy coves and beaches or discover the hidden creeks. We chose the creekside adventure and made our way along the tranquil waters, to the iconic Frenchman’s Creek. A picturesque landscape, this tranquil creek showcases untamed, natural beauty, where meandering branches drape over the water and lush greenery adorns the river's edge. Known for its tranquil and mystical atmosphere, Frenchman’s Creek was made famous by the renowned writer Daphne Du Maurier, who spent her honeymoon here and is the title of one of her iconic novels. It’s also featured in a Kylie Minogue music video!
While gliding along the creek, we encountered a solitary swan and caught sight of several elegant egrets gracefully perched along the shoreline, before proceeding to our next spot. We moored up on a small, shingle cove where we admired the views and took a moment to stretch our legs!
Returning along the river's path, we navigated our kayaks while glimpsing a handful of fish and relishing the invigorating sea breeze, as the sun shimmered on the water's surface. Following a serene paddle back to our starting point, we indulged in a coffee break at the charming shoreline café, continuing to enjoy the picturesque scenery before reluctantly heading home.
Koru Kayaking offers guided tours lasting two hours, allowing you to explore either the captivating Helford River and the stunning coastline of St Agnes. Additionally, they offer expertly guided paddleboarding excursions and invigorating boat trips (with Helford River Cruises) along the scenic Helford River.
Molly Rusden, Marketing Assistant says “A relaxing and calm morning on the Helford! Emma was informative of the area and a great guide, had a great time, and would definitely recommend!”
Whilst Property Administrator Kerry Pascoe commented on the experience “Knowledgeable, informative, and friendly Koru Kayaking instructors along with the beautiful and tranquil setting of The Helford made this a wonderful experience that I'd love to do again and which I'd recommend to anyone.”
Our Falmouth Property Manager, Rebecca Nenning loved getting a different view of her local area “Exhilarating but completely relaxing. A wonderful way to spend a few hours seeing the glorious Helford from a completely different vantage point.”
If you would like to discover the beauty of the Cornish coastline by kayak, you can book a guided experience with Koru Kayaking.
Plan your next visit to Cornwall and discover the ideal coastal retreat among our selection of self-catering cottages available here.
Tags: Falmouth | Helford River | Team experiences |