Last spring we stayed at Kestle Barton, a small hamlet of farmhouse and barns, now converted into an art gallery space, stunning walled garden, cafe and several holiday lets (we stayed in Avallen). Set on the hillside above the Helford River, it made the perfect base to go exploring  the local area. And so, given we were in Daphne du Maurier country, we set off one day to discover Frenchman’s Creek, a small woodland lined creek off the Helford River, full of wild garlic and bluebells in the spring.

Starting our walk at Kestle Barton, we walked out across the fields, following the small stream down to the river. Here we stumbled across the most picture-perfect village of Helford; white-washed, thatched cottages jostled for limelight along the streets, each with gardens overflowing with clematis, valerian, and cow parsley; boats bobbed on the gentle wave in the river estuary.

Walking through this idyllic setting we found the village pub the Shipwrights Arms. We settled with a drink on the bottom terrace with views of the river. A perfect spot for crabbing, the boys cast lines out and within minutes tiny, dark green crabs were being  hauled in. Once satisfied with their bucket of crab loot, we later set them free.

On with our walk, we followed the river around to the ferry, the oldest foot passenger ferry in the country. Our circular walk took us around the coastline, through woodlands until we reached Frenchman’s Creek. Steeped in literary history, this small inlet was enchanting. The boys played in the bluebells and found a tyre rope swing – hours of fun!

Onwards we  walked, ’til we looped up the hill, through the farmer’s fields and home to Kestle Barton.