The River Fal
Discover this spectacular hidden gem in CornwallThe River Fal, Cornwall
Rising on Goss Moor, the Fal travels across 21 miles of granite, slate and shale to feed into the Fal Estuary where it joins its main tributaries – the Tresillian, Truro River, River Kennall and Penryn River – to finish its journey to the sea beyond Falmouth.
Throughout the length of the channels, creeks and streams that make up the Fal, there lies stretch after stretch of extraordinary river to discover. With an array of beautiful wildlife, unique landscapes and countless opportunities to enjoy them, the Fal is a central part in the lives and identities of those who live along its banks or travel to take in this Cornish landmark.
The Fal Estuary is an example of a ria, a river valley that was flooded at the end of the last ice age when sea level rose.
Much of the River Fal sits within the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – an area recognised for its beauty, wildlife and sense of identity.
Get involved on the River Fal
If you love your local river, understand how vital it is to you in your life and share our passion for keeping it healthy for you and your community, then there are many ways for you to get involved. Whether it’s helping on a river clean-up day, becoming a river scientist, going on a river walk or simply making a donation, working together we can help your river bring water to life for many years and generations to come. You can share your stories of the River Fal with us too – we’d love to hear them.
One of Cornwall’s hidden gems
So many visit Cornwall for its world class beaches and dramatic coastlines, but tucked away just a little inland are some hidden gems.
The River Fal couldn’t be a better example. This beautiful Cornish river has so much to offer. For so many who spend time in the area, you cannot beat a riverside walk across the breathtaking countryside, through vibrant towns and into the picturesque villages that line the Fal. Journeying along the river, you can take in the landscape, enjoy the sound of the flowing water and admire the rich wildlife in and around the river. We have teamed up with iwalk Cornwall to bring some of the best guided river walks in the country.
But there are also so many other ways to enjoy the River Fal. Whether you love fishing, cycling, canoeing, birdwatching, history, shopping, eating out… the Fal makes a beautiful backdrop for days spent by the river.
Explore other rivers of the Westcountry...
From Roman times to the present day, Westcountry rivers have been an ever-present thread running through our communities, our culture and our heritage. Ever increasingly, we have come to realise how wonderful it is to spend time on, in or near a river and they are so often the backdrop to our fondest memories of days spent outdoors, being active and spending time with nature.
