The River Cober flows through Helston and empties into The Loe, a large lake just west of the town. This is separated from the sea by a wide bank of soft, white sand – Loe Bar. This long, pleasant stretch of beach is a mile or so south of Porthleven, accessible from there by road or by taking the Berepper turning near the Culdrose airbase south of Helston. The beach can also be reached on foot by following the Penrose Walks along the Loe valley from Helston itself.
