Messing about on the river

I'm no sailor, but I love messing about in a canoe on the nearby Helford River. Our family shares a Canadian canoe which is pretty sturdy. Although I did embarrass myself once in front of a group of friends, by falling out of it just as we came ashore. Let's just say it wasn't my greatest moment!

The Helford is a stunning river estuary south of Falmouth that runs from Gweek in the east to the open sea. It is totally unspoilt and feels like stepping back in time with thickly wooded banks, small hidden coves and wading birds looking for treasure in the mud.

It is home to a wide range of wildlife, both on land and under the water including little egrets, bass, eelgrass beds, and the famous Helford oyster. Oysters have been harvested here since the 3rd century BC and are said to have been a favourite of Turkish pirates!

Here was my favourite find of the day - what a whopper!