A Cornish coast walk: Helford to Maenporth, near Falmouth

On a nice Sunday, we decided to walk a bit of the South West Coast Path, from Helford to Maenporth, near Falmouth. It was a circular walk because of Sunday bus services.
We started from Helford, waiting for the ferry across the river.

It's a quick journey across to Helford Passage, on the other side 

The Helford River is full of boats

We started off along the coast path

Looking back at Helford Passage

 This is Durgan - a lovely little riverside settlement

All along the Helford there are pine trees.

A local told us they were all getting to the end of their lives, and having to be felled, which is a a real shame

The tide was out

This is looking back towards Dennis Head and Nare Point.

Ahead, the path is straightforward, towrds Falmouth and St Mawes

The rocky beaches were clearly visible at low tide. 

These colours are how I always think of Cornwall

The little sandy beach at Maenporth comes into view

The beach cafe is great - especially if you've just walked six miles on a hot day!

Lots of activities were on offer

We walked back across the top of the peninsula, through the delightfully named village of Mawnan Smith, passing this lovely old farmhouse on the way.

The outbuildings were interesting too.

Back at Durgan, the weather had gone a bit greyer

Many of the stiles along the way were made of  huge chunks of rock (That's not me climbing it)

We took the ferry back across, stopping at some yachts moored in the estuary. (The ferry doubles as a water taxi)

Then the ferry disappeared with new customers. If you're walking this, note that the ferry doesn't run 2 hours either side of low tide, as the notice says

Today's walk: around 8.5 miles in total. Along the South West Coast Path from Helford Passage to Maenporth, and then back along minor roads and paths to Durgan, and finally back to the ferry. Not too strenuous, but you'll know you've walked it, as there are some small ups and downs.