The Helford River forms the north-west boundary of the Lizard Peninsula. It is wide with lush vegetation along the banks, and can be navigated as far up as Gweek where there is a boatyard and the National Seal Sanctuary.
The first part of the name, "hel", derives from the old cornish for an estuary or navigable river. The modern spelling varies, for instance there is the town of Hayle on the north coast.
The Helford River itself is named after the hamlet of Helford where from ancient times there has been a ferry across the river. It should not be confused with the nearby town of Helston. This gets its name from a completely different river, now no longer navigable and blocked by the sands of Loo Bar.
The Helford River defines the northern boundary of the Lizard Peninsula. The strip of land immediately to the south of the river is known as the Meneague. See the page about the Meneague for an explanation and map.
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