Footpaths

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The Parish is crossed by numerous footpaths, including the Coastal footpath.
These are illustrated and described on the pamphlet
"Mawnan Footpaths",
shortly to be available from hotels and inns

Here are just four suggested walks of less than three miles -
courtesy of Cllr Mrs Marjorie Briars

Spring Walk 1

Leave your car at Durgan car park SW775279
From the Red Lion at Mawnan Smith, take the road to Budock Vean, Helford Passage, Port Navas. After 0.5 miles turn LEFT at the crossroads - towards Bosveal, Bosloe & Durgan. The car park is along this road on the right.

Take the path in a southerly direction and continue through a wooded area to reach the lane. Below the lane seaward, is a stoney beach (Grebe Beach), very popular with locals. Walk down the lane to the quiet hamlet of Durgan. Look for the coast path sign beside a cottage on the left and follow the coast towards Trebah Gardens and Helford Passage. Here you can take refreshment at the Ferry Boat Inn, or take a trip by passenger ferry to the village of Helford on the opposite bank.

The road ahead passes Heyle House and leads to Bar Beach and a footpath tucked into the hedge on the right with steps leading up to Bar Road. Turn right and at the end of the road turn left to reach the junction. Go along the wide farm track on the right, which narrows later to a gully path skirting Glendurgan Gardens and on to Durgan. Go up the hill to the carpark.

 

Spring Walk 2

Leave your car at Durgan car park SW775279
From the Red Lion at Mawnan Smith, take the road to Budock Vean, Helford Passage, Port Navas. After 0.5 miles turn LEFT at the crossroads - towards Bosveal, Bosloe & Durgan. The car park is along this road on the right.

Take the path going down beside the left hedge and cross the road at the junction to pass through Candy's Gate into the gardens of Bosloe House. This is a National Trust garden although the house has been converted into private flats. Camellias, magnolias,azaleas and a profusion of various coloured primroses are in abundance in early Spring. On reaching the gate ahead, cross the meadow towards the Helford River and coastal path leading to Porth Saxon Beach. On the opposite side of the river is the promontory of Dennis Head and swathes of bluebells colour the cliffs with yellow gorse and purple orchids. The pleasantly wooded valley goes north from the cove to reach a somewhat stoney track and a kissing gate on the left. Take this path alongside the right hand hedge adjacent to the school grounds and follow through to reach the lane where a left turn will lead you back to the car park.

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Summer Walk

Leave your car in Mawnan Smith village SW778289
Face the Red Lion public house from the Spar shop. (Alternatively, have a light lunch at the Red Lion and walk it off!). Take the road to the right (Grove Hill), to a signed footpath 50 metres before the Shute Hill junction (the large Macrocarpa tree, which was the footpath end, has now, regrettably had to be felled). This path leads down to meadow land and proceeds diagonally, crossing a stream to reach Higher Penpoll. Turn right up the lane - ignoring the path going left - to reach a junction, and, ahead, a stile with a rope attached to aid the climb. Follow the path across the field to a gate in the facing hedge and a narrow lane. Immediately across is another stile to yet another lane. Turn right here and follow this lane passed Boskensoe Farm to meet the main road, turning right to return to Mawnan Smith.

 

Autumn or Winter Walk

Leave your car at the Old Church on the cliffs SW789272
Walk back along the road for 400 meters to a footpath(signed) on the right which leads down a rather steep meadow to the coastal path. Here you can enjoy wonderful extensive views from Rosemullion Head and beyond to Falmouth Bay, and, on a very clear day, as far as the Dodman. Turning right, keep to the coastal path, which threads its way through a wooded area of mainly Holm Oaks below the Church and on to a grassy promontory known as Mawnan Grebe. A rest here to take in the scenery around is well worthwhile. From the vast expanse of sea on one side to the curved course of the Helford River winding its way towards Porth Navas and Gweek is quite breathtaking. Dropping down to Toll Point and a stoney beach (Porthallack Beach), take the valley path which goes inland back to the Church.

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