Exploring the Helford #Part1

Grebe Beach is a pretty shingle beach that can be the perfect resting spot during a number of stunning coastal walks around the Helford. If you prefer to arrive by car and spend the day here you can park above at the National Trust, Bosveal Car-Park, (Grid Ref – SW775275).

Follow the path down through the woods to the road and turn right, there is no footpath here so be aware of traffic. Walking down the hill look to your left for the footpath that will lead you down to the beach. Unfortunately it is a steep path but the view on the way down more than makes up for your effort.

The lack of swell is perfect for children, kayaking and snorkelling, Cuttlefish and Thornback Ray are often easily spotted, but please be aware that there is no safety equipment or lifeguards here and there is a strong current as you move farther out into the river.

If you arrive at the end of August you can enjoy the Durgan Regatta, (Sunday August 23rd), this incorporates Grebe & Durgan beach just around the corner. A brilliant day full of land and sea races and boats available to hire from the beach. Games, competitions, BBQ and stalls.

Alongside Grebe is the extremely pretty hamlet of Durgan, or, ‘Dowrgeun’, the Cornish for, ‘otter’. Many of the cottages including the old school are now owned by the National Trust along with Glendurgan Garden, situated above the hamlet.

History Snippet

Durgan was once the home of Captain George Vancouver (1757 – 1798), although it is hard to imagine him ever having time to spend here.  Vancouver was appointed  by Captain Cook to join him on his second voyage as a midshipman aboard Cooks ship, Resolution , and again for his third voyage aboard, Discovery. It was Vancouver and the crew of Discovery that were recorded as the first to land on present day British Columbia. Vancouver’s travels, battles and discoveries resulted in the naming of several hundred places many of these still remain, including Vancouver Island. You can find out more about his fascinating life here …. Captain George Vancouver.

Have you been to Grebe? What did you think?