The River Camel's estuary runs all the way from
Wadebridge downstream to the open sea at Padstow Bay. North of
Polzeath , Pentire Point marks the northeast extremity of the estuary. Acres of salt marsh downstream of Burniere Point mark the point where the River Amble flows in and the valley widens. The main river runs along the western side of the valley, the eastern side has a barrage to prevent the rising tide from entering the River Amble.
Padstow , a small fishing port, is along the west bank and is home to the Black Tor Ferry which takes people across the river to
Rock . The beauty of the region caused
John Betjeman to write "The next five and a half miles beside the broadening Camel to Padstow is the most beautiful train journey I know." The mouth of the River Camel itself is found between Stepper Point on the west and Pentire Point on the east. The two headlands each shelter popular sandy beaches. To the west of the estuary is Tregirls beach, well protected by Stepper Point. Harbour Cove is at the northern end of Tregirls beach. Beyond Hawkers Cove, the aptly-named and notorious sandbank Doom Bar stretches menacingly across the estuary. It has caused the demise of many ships throughout history.
More British Natural features?
Other Cornwall Naturals
Bodmin Moor
Tamar Valley
The Lizard
Helford River
River Fowey
River Tamar
River Fal
Carbis Bay
Cape Cornwall
Camel Valley
St Anthony Head
Pentire Point and the Rumps
Rough Tor
Rame Peninsula
Dodman Point
Roseland Peninsula
River Camel
River Looe