Estuaries and Ferries

Ferries can be subject to change due to weather conditions, tides and times of day. Ferry pick up and drop off locations can also vary. We would, therefore, advise that you check with the relevant ferry or water taxi operator, prior to travelling, rather than solely relying on the information below.

The nature of the Coast Path means that many ferries must be used to cross estuaries along the length of the Path.

Some estuaries can only be crossed at low tide by paddling across or via a tidal footbridge, so you will need to consult tide tables. These can be found in 'The Official Guide to the South West Coast Path', which can be purchased from our shop. This publication is FREE to members of the Association Find out more about membership here. 

Below, listed in path order, are the river crossings you’ll encounter whilst on the Coast Path. Further information can also be found on the relevant walk description pages.

Instow to Appledore (River Torridge)

Appledore Instow ferry

Ferry Service runs: 1st April to 31st October

Padstow to Rock (River Camel)

                                        From Padstow       From Rock

First Ferry:                       08:00

Last Ferry:           

29th Oct to 31st Mar         17:00                      16:45

1st Apr to 31st May           18:00                      17:45

1st June to mid July           19:00                     18:45

mid July to mid Sept          19:45                     19:30

mid Sept - 31 Oct              18:00                     17:45

See ferry website for departure points as these can vary.

 

Wave Hunters Water Taxi:

The Water Taxi service runs: 18.00 until late.

For alternative routes around the estuary click here.

Newquay to Crantock (River Gannel)

Fern Pit Ferry

Ferry Service runs: Daily from end of May to mid-September 09:30 to 18:00 (weather dependent)

Gillan Creek 

Gillan Creek Ferry Sailaway St Anthony Ltd

Ferry Service Runs:  1st April - 31 October

There are stepping stones across Gillan Creek, which are submerged roughly 3 hours either side of high water, so caution is required.

Taxi:  For an alternative way around the river please use the following:

Telstar Taxis Tel: 01326 221007 

Helford River

Helford River Boats

Ferry service runs from 1st April to 31st October 09:30 to 17:00 on demand. In July and August, the ferry may run into the evening.

Taxi: For an alternative way around the river.

Telstar Taxi Tel: 01392 221007 

For a walking route around the estuary (13miles) click here. 

Falmouth to St Mawes (River Fal)

Cornwall Fal River Ferries - St Mawes Ferry

The Ferry service runs all year round 7 days a week, twice hourly during the summer and hourly during the winter, with a journey time of 20 minutes.

Falmouth Water Taxi

A2B Water Taxi Falmouth

Water Taxi Runs: March to October 7 days a week, 9am till Late (tides and conditions permitting).

St Mawes - Place Creek (Percuil River)

Cornwall Fal River Ferries - Place Ferry

The Ferry service runs:  7 days a week from April to October with a journey time of 10 minutes.

Falmouth Water Taxi

It is advisable to ring in advance to check availability.

For a route around the estuary, click here. 

Fowey to Polruan (River Fowey)

Polruan Ferry Co Ltd

Ferry service runs:

1st May - 30th September

Monday - Friday 07:00 - 23:00

Saturday 08:00 - 23:00

Sunday 09:00 - 23:00

1st October - 30th April

Monday - Friday 7:00 - 19:00

Saturday - 09:00 - 19:00

Sunday - 10:00 - 17:00

Check the Polruan ferry website for more timetable information as the ferry crossing points alter during the summer months with daytime crossings taking place from Whitehouse Quay (rather than Town Quay).

Cremyll (Mount Edgcumbe) to Plymouth (River Tamar)

Plymouth Boat Trips

Ferry Service runs:

See Cremyll Ferry website for more timetable information.

Sutton Harbour to Mount Batten (River Plym)

Mount Batten Ferry

Summer ferry service runs:

From 2nd May to 30th September:

Monday to Friday: 08:00 to 22:00

Saturday and Sunday: 09:00 to 22:00

Winter ferry service runs: 1st October to 1st May:

Monday to Thursday: 08:00 to 18:15

Saturday and Sunday: 09:00 to 18:15

The Ferry departs the Barbican at quarter past and quarter to the hour, Mount Batten on the hour and half hour. Operating every 30 minutes. Check the website for more information.

Wembury (Warren Point) to Noss Mayo (River Yealm)

River Yealm Ferry and Water Taxi

  • Bill Gregor: 07817 132757

Ferry Service runs:

1st April to 30th September - 10:00 to 16:00 daily. Service may be restricted during bad weather or quieter times.

Yealm Community Electric Transport - An electric powered ferry service

Ferry service runs:

April - 31 October - 0800 to 1000 and 1600 till late. Contact operator for further details (weather permitting)

Mothecombe to Wonwell (River Erme)

There is no ferry or boat service on the River Erme as the river is too shallow. A crossing of the estuary can be made by wading between the slipways of Mothecombe and Wonwell for an hour on either side of low tide. Please refer to tide times for crossing information.

For an alternative way around the river contact:

Merlins Taxi: 07455 951185

Bigbury (Cockleridge) to Bantham Slipway (River Avon)

Bantham Estate Passenger Ferry

Ferry service runs:  Every Day - April - September: 10:00 – 12:00 and 14:00 – 16:00

Salcombe to East Portlemouth (Salcombe Estuary)

Salcombe Ferry Company provides a daily service, every half hour, across the Salcombe Estuary from Salcombe to East Portlemouth.

See the website for more information.

Merlins Taxi: 07455 951185

Dartmouth to Kingswear (River Dart)

Lower Dartmouth Ferry

Ferry operates all year:

From Dartmouth TQ6 9AP: Monday to Saturday: 07:10 to 22:55 and Sunday: 08:10 to 22:24

From Kingswear TQ6 0AA: Monday to Saturday: 07:00 to 22:45 and Sunday: 08:00 to 22:45

Dartmouth (River Dart)

Dartmouth Steam Railway & River Boat Co.

Dartmouth to Kingswear passenger ferry

S.Embankment, Dartmouth TQ6 9BH

Ferry Service runs:

Monday to Saturday: 07:30 to 18:55 and Sundays: 09:00 to 18:55

Merlin's Taxis: 07455 951185  

Shaldon to Teignmouth (River Teign)

The Ferry operates all year round from 10am to 5pm (operates later in the warmer months).  See their Facebook page for current timetable.  NB: CASH ONLY.

Starcross to Exmouth (River Exe)

Starcross Pier to Exmouth Ferry

Ferry Service runs: every day 1st April - 31st October.  NB CASH ONLY

From Starcross: every hour from 10:10 to 16:10 (and 17:10 mid-May to mid-September)

From Exmouth: every hour from 10:40 to 16:40 (and 17:40 mid-May to mid-September)

Turf to Topsham (River Exe)

Topsham Turf Ferry

See the website for more information.

Dawlish Warren to Exmouth (River Exe)

Exeplorer Water Taxi

The Ferry service runs daily between 1st April to 31st October. 09:00-17:00 Times vary, see website for details. 

Topsham (River Exe)

Exeter City Council, Canals and River Dpt.

Please check below for current operating times 

Visit this webpage for more information.

South Haven Point to Sandbanks, Poole

Swanage Motor Road & Ferry Co

Ferry service runs:

Sandbanks: 07:00 to 23:00

Shell Bay: 07:10 to 23:10

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