Panorama showing a view over the Truro River from Malpas in Cornwall. In the picture is a terrace of blue and white cottages with river-side views. You can see numerous sailing and pleasure yachts moored on the river.

Malpas - Truro visitor guide showing a virtual tour of 'Malpas' linked to an interactive map with local and travel information. 360° panoramas from Cornwall.

Take the gentle drive down the banks of River Truro to Malpas village, which stands at the convergence of the Truro and Tresillian rivers in Cornwall, about 2 miles south of Truro city. There used to be a ferry crossing from here over the water to Roseland and Tregothan estate. Legend has it that the ferry was used by Iseult, from the stories of King Arthur, on her way to the palace of King Mark.

The name for Maplas originates from the French 'mal pas', meaning 'bad passage'. The ferry was summoned by ringing a bell. This would notifythe ferryman in his cottage on the St Michael Penkevil bank of waiting passengers, whom he would proceed to pick up in an old wooden boat. In the early 19th century the ferry was manned by Jenny Davies, also known as Jenny Mopus, who complained that her worst customers were women and pigs. At that time many ships would anchor here unloading their cargo onto shallow barges for further passage upriver.

Today Malpas is a quiet retreat, with the Heron Inn offering good food overlooking the river. A footpath leads from Malpas to to St Clement. Nearby is Boscawen Park.

Train: Truro Rail Station
Bus: Heron Inn, Malpas Road
Car: Malpas is 2 miles south of Truro on Malpas Road.