River Hayle

The River Hayle is a small river in West Cornwall that flows into St Ives Bay at Hayle on the Atlantic coast. It rises south-west of Crowan village and runs for about 19 kilometres, first west for five kilometres near Mount’s Bay, then north through a steep wooded valley past Trescowe Common. Near the hamlet of Relubbus the river turns sharply north and continues for another six kilometres to the estuary at Hayle. The river’s estuary includes a former port on the east bank and Lelant Saltings, a large salt marsh on the west side. The port once supported Hayle’s industries, while Lelant Saltings is now an important bird habitat managed by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds as a nature reserve. Parts of the estuary are protected as sites of special scientific interest. Visitors can walk along the river’s banks or explore the salt marsh trails. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds runs guided walks and hides where birds such as waders and wildfowl can be seen. The surrounding countryside offers quiet lanes and views across the estuary to the granite hills beyond.