Far reaching deep water estuary
The River Fal flows across Cornwall, rising at Pentevale on Goss Moor (between St. Columb and Roche) and reaching the English Channel at Falmouth. On or near the banks of the Fal are the castles of Pendennis and St. Mawes as well as Trelissick Garden and the Tregothnan Estate. The River Fal separates the Roseland Peninsula from the rest of Cornwall. Like most of its kind on the south coast of Cornwall, the Fal Estuary is a classic ria, or drowned river valley.
The river mouth and Falmouth harbour served as an anchorage in the immediate years after the Second World War for scores of laid-up Royal Navy vessels (including battleships, carriers, and cruisers) awaiting sale for scrap. Its size and depth of water made it ideal for this use.
The River Fal suffered a severe, high-profile pollution accident in February 1992, when a nearby tin mine was flooded. The river turned red and an extensive cleaning-up operation was needed to decontaminate the water. During times of reduced global trade, ships are mothballed in the upper parts of the estuary of the River Fal. The ships, using the Fal estuary due to its depth and protection from the elements, keep a skeleton crew for ship maintenance. A large number of ships were moored in the estuary during the late 2000's financial crisis, as falling global trade meant a smaller demand for cargo ships. Falmouth Harbour authority charges companies for usage of the river, until the ships are either reactivated, scrapped or sold.
Tributaries of the River Fal include the Truro River, River Kennal, Penryn River and Carnon River. Several tidal creeks discharge into The River Fal including Mylor Creek, Pill Creek, Penpol Creek, the Percuil River and Restronguet Creek. The Fal/Truro waterway is navigable between Falmouth and Truro. The River Fal is crossed by the King Harry Ferry, a vehicular chain ferry that links the villages of Feock and Philleigh approximately equidistant between Truro and Falmouth. The river flows through the Carrick Roads, a large ria that creates a natural harbour. Here, pedestrian ferries connect Falmouth with St. Mawes overlooked by St. Antony Head.
The Upper Fal Estuary and Woods SSSI is mostly within the tidal area of the river between Tregony and Turnaware Point and includes mudflats, salt marsh and ancient woodland.
The Fal has been described as the most polluted river in England. in 2021, raw sewage was discharged straight into the river for over 7,500 hours as a consequence of the 100-year old sewage system being overwhelmed by heavy rain.
Devoran
Four and a half miles south-west of Truro, has access to the sea by Restronguet Creek, Linked by the Redruth and Chacewater Railway to its docks and quays for the export of minerals, and the import of coals, etc., to the mines in the Gwennap district which formerly brought brisk trade to the quay. The parish church of St. John and St. Petroc was built in 1855. Thomas Lobb, Victorian botanist and plant hunter is buried in Devoran churchyard. Local pub is the Old Quay Inn.
Falmouth
Leading south coast resort. Third largest natural harbour in the world, with bustling waterfront, four bathing beaches, Henry VIII Pendennis Castle, and strong maritime tradition. Gardens. National Maritime Museum. Arts Centre and Princess Pavilion. Championship sailing, river cruises. Leisure centre, golf course. Park-an-Ride in summer. Nearby Penryn is well-preserved historic port with many fine buildings and courtyards. Terminus of railway branch line from Truro.
Feock
Feock is one side of the King Harry Ferry crossing to the Roseland. On Carrick Roads. Parish church of St. Feoca with separate tower and slate-hung lychgate. Creekside walk follows old tram road. Trelissick gardens are nearby.
Flushing
Facing Falmouth across the Penryn River, Flushing is a handsome village and still almost entirely unspoilt. Owes name to seamen from Vlissingen, Holland, who settled here in 17th century, and retains Dutch appearance. Narrow streets with Queen Anne houses, former home of Packet captains. Small Norman church of St. Peter. Served by a ferry from Falmouth. Local pubs are the The Royal Standard and the Harbour House.
Grampound
A small settlement on the main A390 St. Austell to Truro road, the lowest crossing point of the River Fal which was a deep and busy waterway in Roman times. The church of St. Nuns was built in 1869. The village was home to Croggon's tannery which closed in 2002. Local pub is the Dolphin Inn.
Malpas
About two miles south of Truro, at a point where two rivers meet, and where boat trips terminate when the tides dictate. Tiny church of St. Andrew in picturesque location. Local passenger ferry across the river. Local pub is The Heron Inn.
Mylor Bridge
A village at the head of the Mylor Creek, one of the many arms of Falmouth Harbour. The church of St. Mylor has monuments to the Trefusis, Bonython and Lemon families. Two miles north of Falmouth. Carclew House and Gardens nearby. Local pubs are The Pandora Inn and The Lemon Arms.
Old Kea
Situated on the west bank of the Fal River approximately two miles south of Truro.
Penryn
Now almost a suburb of Falmouth, Penryn is a far earlier settlement, based around an ecclesiastical centre, closed at the time of the dissolution of the monasteries. A busy port from medieval times, it was used to export granite from nearby Mabe in the construction of numerous projects such as Waterloo Bridge, The Old Bailey and New Scotland Yard. Local pubs are The Seven Stars, The Kings Arms Hotel, The Famous Barrel and The Thirsty Scholar.
St. Clement
Located to the south of Truro on the thickly wooded tidal Tresillian River, rich in bird-life including many heron, lies the delightful hamlet of St. Clement with its thatched and whitewashed cottages. The most notable building is the 13th century church with a lychgate containing an upper room, used as a schoolroom in days gone by. Once the location of Moresk Castle but no traces remain today.
St. Just-in-Roseland
Exquisite 13th century church set above tidal creek of Percuil River, with churchyard of sub-tropical shrubs and religious texts. Peninsula of small villages across the river from Falmouth.
St. Mawes
Popular sailing centre on the Roseland Peninsula at the end of the A3078, overlooking Falmouth. Sheltered and relatively remote. Small beach and fine St. Mawes Castle a clover-leaf Tudor castle built by Henry VIII in the 1540's. Ferries to Place Manor, Falmouth and Truro. Local pubs are the Rising Sun, and The Victory Inn.
Tregony
Known as the gateway to the Roseland Peninsula on the B3287 - Tregony was an active port in the 14th century surrounded by busy woollen mills producing a rough serge known as Tregony cloth. Local pub is The Kings Arms.
Tresillian
Three miles east of Truro on the A390 road. Once the lowest bridging point of the Truro River, the bridge was the site of the Surrender of the Royalist forces to the Parliamentarians during the Civil War in 1646. The Wheel Inn pub with the distinctive rolled straw wheel on its thatched roof was used at the time as the Parliamentarian headquarters. On the south bank is the Tregothnan Estate, home of Lord Falmouth (not open to the public). Two miles east of Truro on the A39.
Truro
Set in a valley, the magnificent cathedral city of Truro is an intriguing mix of the historic blending sensitively with the new. Cornwall's commercial and administrative centre. A three-spired cathedral completed 1910 stands on the site of the 16th century church of St. Mary. Impressive Georgian town houses. Royal Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery. Excellent pedestrianised shopping centre. Boat trips. Main line railway station with a branch line to Falmouth
Pendennis Castle
A fine and mighty fortress built by Henry VIII to defend Falmouth.
Pendennis Point
Fine view-point on the southern side of Falmouth.
St. Anthony Head
The mouth of the estuary on The Roseland Peninsula. St. Anthony Head Lighthouse was built to guard the eastern entrance to Falmouth Harbour to guide vessels clear of the Manacles rocks.
St. Mawes Castle
Best preserved of Henry VIII's coastal artillery fortresses overlooking The Fal Estuary at St. Mawes.
Tregothnan
Two miles south-east of Truro. The estate has been home to the Boscawen family since 1335, but now known as the home of English tea and home of Lord Falmouth (not open to the public).
Trelissick Garden (NT)
Trelissick is both a garden and an estate of rare tranquil beauty.close to Truro.
Falmouth St. Mawes Penryn Truro
Cornwall's Ferries The River Fal Trelissick Garden Tregothnan Estate