The Gannel Estuary

About

In Newquay, the Gannel Estuary provides a glimpse of the towns seafaring past - and you can explore on foot, kayak or canoe, bike or horseback!
The Gannel is a tidal river and remains so today, so be careful when and where you walk. It's a silted estuary - no longer navigable, but in the past, schooners and lighters (barges) were poled or rowed up the river channel on the incoming tide, carrying coal, timber or sand to Trevemper Bridge where it was distributed inland.

There are still traces of old boatyards, moorings and even derelict craft - but away from the sea the Estuary now provides a vast recreation area and nature reserve. Take your binoculars and spot the key species of wading birds (little egret), plants (eel grass beds and associated species), fish (salmon, bass, smelt and shad) and there are also significant populations of both brown and sea trout. Throughout the freshwater section, trout, lamprey, eel, and bullhead have been recorded.


The Gannel Estuary can be found on the outskirts of town on the left of the Gannel Link Road as you head towards the Mount Wise roundabout. There is limited parking but the Estuary is an easy walk from town and also forms the starting point of the Newquay to Crantock circular walk -