'Super gravel ford, 14m across and 7in deep. Bridge alongside (marked FB on the OS map) in fact takes traffic up to 2 tonnes ). Ford signs (home and distant), depth gauge.'

Bealsmill (x2!)

'The sign at the road junction in Bealsmill hamlet says “Ford 1/4 mile”, but the wet one is much closer than that: a small concrete watersplash beside large farm depot buildings, with its own signs and footbridge (Image 1). The second is just a concrete part-timer, with more signs, footbridge and depth gauge (Image 2).

'Concrete part-time ford on gravel byway, marked on OS 1:25,000 map. No Ford signs, depth gauge or footbridge. '

'Attractive little shallow ford. A tarmac base suggests part-time status.'

'This Ford is on the OS map having near and far sign posts as well, it has a good concrete base and easy entry and exit at best 6” deep and about 1 – 1 ˝ metre wide, with an over the top depth gauge next to it. The road it’s on is a typical Cornish yellow road being 3 ply with grass growing down the middle in a picturesque setting.'

'Nice setted ford, 4m across and about 3in deep. Signs, depth gauge and footbridge. '

'An excellent paved ford, 10m across and 6in deep. Footbridge, depth gauge, Ford signs at road ends.'

Bowithick (x2!)

'The more southerly of the two fords at this popular moorland picnic spot is a super specimen, 2m across and 4in deep, with a stone slab base. There’s a stone lintel footbridge immediately to the west, and an old stone roadway bridge alongside that. Ford signs.

A hundred yards to the north the road crosses a concrete part-time ford, with its own Ford signs and footbridge. The slab dams the stream to form a nice paddling pool.'

'Although still marked on the OS 1:25,000 map, this fine ford, now bypassed by a bridge, seems these days to be used only by horses, to judge from the grassy ramps.'

'Concrete ford at a road junction, about a car’s length across and an inch deep. Footbridge, Ford signs (distant and home).'

'This is another famous trials hill which has a ford at the bottom. It was totally dry on this visit but there was a tell tale depth gauge and black and white pole. The hill is worth the visit but take care because although surfaced it is very steep. Look carefully at the image to see the gauge and pole!' Image Mouseover sent in by Shaun Thomas (06/01/2005)

'An attractive paved watersplash, with Ford signs, depth gauge and footbridge. '

'Nice little ford approx 8/9 metres wide approx 12" deep with a good bottom of sand gravel with a stepping stone path next to it. The entry and exit are off the same course sand gravel material with nice gentle slopes easily as good as knighton but far less difficult to get too.Just off an orange road on a bridleway with plenty of evidence of use by cars as well as horses. But not it gets considerably deeper in the winter as the road it is next too floods quite regularly'

'Nice little concrete watersplash, about 1m across and 1in deep; Ford signs, depth gauge and stone lintel footbridge still bearing the blasting drill marks.'

Causeland Station (x3!)

'There are actually 2 fords and an Irish Bridge here. The2 Fords are on forestry type tracks and pretty evil amount of mud on the day I was there. The more serious of the two is about 3-5 metres across stony bottom and deeper than I was going to risk my boots, steep entry and exit. Obviously only accessible by 4 x 4 or trail riders. This is the first Ford you see from the yellow road on your left leaving Causeland Station (Image 1)

A second smaller ford no more than 2 metres across and 6/12 inches deep again with rough stony bottom is just around the corner from the previous, again leading off on a forestry trail. Again 4 x 4 and trail riders only.

Finally there is the Irish bridge some 20 metres up the road across the yellow road marked by 4 black and white posts or at least that is what I think they are there for.' '

'This one is easier to spot on the OS Explorer map than on the ground. Lack of any ford signs and tarmac surface suggest that the water rarely flows over the road here. '

'Only a trickle across the stony bottom of this otherwise metalled (but narrow) road. Nonetheless, the ford is labelled on the OS Explorer Map, and is provided with a depth gauge and footbridge.'

'It's only access able via a byway from the main road and not accessable from where the definitive map for Cornwall suggests it could be. It's roughly 1-2 inches deep with a footbridge on one side. I managed to get my ford ranger into the ford for a picture though I wouldn't recommend going do to it in anything but a 4x4. Lovely little ford with plenty of wildlife. Quite and secluded. You pass under a very large bridge and an abandoned structure to get to it.'

'In the lovely Coombe Valley, picturesquely set between white thatched cottages, this little ford is 5m across and 2in deep, with a concrete base and setted ramps. Ford signs, depth gauge, footbridge.'

'The tarred road ends at a peaceful waterfront hamlet on a remote creek, an idyllic place of steep wooded hillsides, traditional cottages and moored sailing boats. From here, a tidal gravel roadway runs eastwards along the top of the foreshore for some 160m, before climbing up to serve some more dwellings.'

'Just around the inlet from the tidal fords at Coombe is are these two at Cowlands. They only operate at high spring tides. '

'This is a proper ford has a depth gauge and footbridge and is at the start of a very famous trials section used in virtually all Lands End Trials since well before the second world war. You approach it down a narrow surfaced lane, cross the ford which has a nasty step down but is hard surfaced and the carry on up the unsurfaced lane suitable for 4 x 4s but not most cars.'

'This concrete Irish bridge would be covered either by the stream in full spate or by a high spring tide. It is at the end of a narrow road. There are no signs, depth gauge, or footbridge. It is marked on the OS Explorer map.'

'This ford is found at Lower Crift.'

'At the end of a tarred public lane, an attractive concrete ford about 4ft across and 3in deep, with footbridge. The white sign on the gate after the ford says that the road beyond is a private drive, but this may be questionable as the OS 1:25,000 map marks it as an ORPA; the gate to the right is not on the correct line to be the public right of way. '

'Proper little paved ford about 100m off the yellow road; from the south, it’s a muddy descent, then a steep rugged climb up the other side, suitable for 4x4s only. Footbridge, no signs. '

'Just downstream of Bradford ford, right beside Delford Bridge is a regularly used ford, I can see no reason why people use the ford except for entertainment as can be seen in the photos. It is sandy bottomed with a steady flow of water, between 12 to 18 inches deep. Sit quietly for a while beside the stream and watch for the fish.'

'Nice Irish Bridge mark by the normal Black and White Posts at entry and exit covers some 20 metres of road and would imagine this one would always be wet (Image 1). The OS Map actually shows a ford at this location which is still there but unless you have a tractor would be impossible to cross as the farm track it is on is horredous to say the least but I enclose a picture of it anyway it is about a metre wide and 6"-12" deep (Image 2)'

'This little cobbled watersplash carries a public footpath and a private farm track across a small brook. '

Gloweth (x3!)

'The first ford at Gloweth is very unusual. A simple part-timer, but half way down a steep hill rather than at the foot of a valley.

The second is more well used and is full time with a concrete base.'

The third and final ford is on the lesser of the two roads that cross the River Kenwyn itself (the other road crosses via a bridge), made of more gravel than tarmac as I recall.

'The byway through the ford itself is very rough, although from the NE a tarred lane brings to within about 100yds. The ford is hardly worth the effort, being just a small watersplash. Footbridge.'

'Lying 35 miles WSW of Land's End, St Agnes is the smallest and most remote of the inhabited Scillies. It has just 70 residents and one mile of paved road. You can't take your car or motor bike there; motorised transport is limited to a few local tractors and the odd ancient Land Rover. (In fact, you can't take a motor vehicle to any of the Scillies, but push bikes are welcome.)

A rough tractor track leads down to a 100-yard tidal causeway of sand and shingle, The Bar, which links St Agnes with the two houses on its smaller neighbour Gugh. It is just covered at a normal high tide, but a notice warns against venturing forth when there is a greater depth of water as the tidal race can be fearsome.

Image 1 and mouseover show the view from St Agnes at the higher and lower states of tide. Image 2 is the view from Gugh, and Image 3 shows the sea just lapping across - note that the water level is lower on the right (north) side.'

'A shady ford on the narrow and steep old road between Gweek and Mawgan-in-Meneage. Not usually more than a few inches deep, with concrete bottom, depth gauge and footbridge.'

'As it is at the bottom end of the catchment it can quite often have a fast, deeper flow in winter months after prolonged, heavy rainfall. About 15 - 20 yrs ago a vehicle was swept downstream into the wooded area, the occupants lucky to get out.' Doug Castle

'Please note the image was taken after the first of the rain after the very dry Autumn. The track is private but there is a footpath sign so no vehicles, only walkers.'

'The road is not open to general traffic in the summer months, so if you want to drive through this ford, you'll need to go there in the winter. I guess there is usually more water than is shown in the picture.'

'Small setted Ford which surprisingly had proper water even after the recent dry period.'

'On the narrow metalled road towards Poulza and marked on OS Explorer Map. It has a stony bottom, was a few inches deep when I visited, and was no more than one car's length. There is an alternative bridge which takes vehicles (right in the picture), but no signage whatsoever. '

'The road splits to pass through an unusual double concrete watersplash, each about 3m to 4m across and an inch or so deep.'

http://www.geograph.org.uk

'Concrete part-time ford with Ford signs, depth gauge and footbridge.'

'Excellent gravel ford on 4x4 byway, 11m across and 8in deep. Footbridge.'

'On a track to a garden centre, this is a really nice one some 5 - 8 metres wide at least 12 inches deep with a gravel stone bottom, nice little footbridge beside it. It is obviously still being used by all types of traffic with good entry and exits.The lane it is on is also well used.'

'Unusual lateral slab base and curving profile. Attractive granite slab bridge.'

http://www.geograph.org.uk

'In an upper tidal reach of the Fowey River lies the pretty village of Lerryn. From the far corner of the car park by the pub, an old cartway crosses the River Lerryn, alongside the stepping stones. At low tide, when there’s about a foot of (mainly fresh) water, it’s passable in a 4x4, but at high tide the whole thing is covered (Image 1).

The lane following the south bank of the creek downstream from the ford in Image 1 leads to Lerryn Quay, now a private house, and is submerged at spring high tides. Unfortunately, I was there at low water but the line of seaweed left by the last tide can be seen about 2/3 of the way across the road. An equinoctial spring tide would be 30-40 cm higher and cover the road completely, but neap tides would only get to the edge of the road. The stepping stones by the ford are just out of sight at the top left of Image 2.'

'The ford itself about 10 foot across and upto 18" deep with gravel/sandy base.There is a broken foot bridge to one side. The ford itself is marked on the OS map and is on a very rough track marked as "other public access" no signage.

Entry from the south side is very muddy as can be seen in the pics. The exit from the North is far more firm however you then have a fairly steep rough climb out up to the tarmac about 1/2 mile away. There is plenty of evidence that off road bikes and quads use it but the exit path would be tight for a 4 x 4.'

'This ford is found beside St Lawrence House near Lezant.'

'Part-time with a weathered concrete base. Bring your own water!'

'Small concrete watersplash. Depth gauge, footbridge, no Ford signs. '

'Good gravel 4x4 ford with nasty lip on west side (remains of asphalt). Asphalt to farm on east side, then 4x4 road. Evidence of limited use by wheeled vehicles and horses. This should count as a tidal ford, as it cuts across the tip of the tidal creek as shown by the High Water Mark on the OS 1:50,000 map.' Mouseover sent in by Mark Varley (28/04/2004)

'On my visit it was in full flow covering some 5/8 metres of road and the full width of the road as you can see in the Image.'

'Slippery stone set base with quaint hump bridge. Note the 'nanny state' signage on approach (Image 2). The depth gauge is set to overestimate by a foot!'

'Good gravel 4x4 ford, about 9m across and a foot deep, on ORPA signed Unsuitable for Motors. No footbridge. The approach from Duloe is narrow but perfectly passable for 4x4s; that from Muchlarnick is the rocky horror show, with deep holes and big steps to surmount - difficult even for high 4x4s.'

Video sent in by Wayne A Enormous

'Part-timer with footbridge; no signs'

'This Irish bridge on the main road to Cury at the bottom of Gilly Hill has signs near and far and as can be seen in the picture an over the top depth gauge.'

New Mill (x2!)

'The two fords at New Mill are on a substantial road, definitely suitable for all vehicles except in floods. The first ford is where the millstream crosses, rather a trickle in Image 1, but I have seen quite a flow on other occasions.

A little to the north, the second ford is where the River Kenwyn itself crosses the road. It has a depth gauge, as seen in both photographs. Both fords have the same base, more clearly seen in Image 1, probably of cut stones rather than bricks.'

'A very attractive gravel ford, 10m across and a foot deep, in a picturesque setting by a white cottage with traditional countryman’s garden. Approach from the north on an asphalt lane down through some steep, tight hairpins; beyond the gate on the south side, a rugged trials hill climbs steeply to Treworld. '

'An Irish bridge with near and far signs in its day or after heavy rain 2/3 metres wide and 6/12 inches deep. It has proper cobbled surface and is very well used so rarely slippery'

'Pretty little concrete ford, signs, stone arched footbridge.'

'On a small yellow road which has been recently resurfaced and also given the honour of being marked "ford" . No more than a couple of metres across and about 2 - 3 inches deep, as can be seen there is a measuring stick which is a bit OTT. A very easy one.'

'200 yards east of Penrose (see below), just off the yellow road, the gravel track to Penheale Manor passes through this fine ford, 17m across and 8in deep. Although there’s a public footpath beyond, there’s no footbridge.'

'Little ford marked on the OS map right on a sharp bend. Full time, couple of metres across and 2/3 inches deep with concrete base. Has a ford sign near and far and a very old depth marker which is a bit out.'

'Irish bridge with Ford signs (distant and home), depth gauge and footbridge. '

'This is a ford located in the middle of a signed byway driveable only in a 4 x 4 with 4 x 4 company. The Byway is almost a "Black Route" and not for the faint hearted. It can be driven in an unmodified vehicle with extreme care and concentration. Access to the ford from the north to the ford is easy for any suitable vehicle but only as far as the Ford. The uphill lane is very difficult, demanding and very challenging. Traversing skills are needed. Pin stripes are the trophy for a successful passage.

The Ford is solid gravel based with steep entry and exit. There is a Footbridge in well maintained order. Water level is around 20 inches but signs of much higher level is apparent. A Public footpath also crosses the ford.

JeepClub members Cornwall recently drove the lane and confirm accessability but would advise access from the south as this is downhill and much easier for those unmodded vehicles.

Beware of walkers on route as there are No Bolt holes or turning places.....Once committed there is no route back without damage.'

Video sent in by Wayne A Enormous

'A small but deep full-time ford, with sloping sides to approx 1/2 car length'

'This is a public road to a private beach that provides a right of access to a dozen properties on Quay Road, along the side of Restronguet Creek. This very picturesque waterway is off Carrick Roads which is the estuary of the Fal and Truro Rivers. Residents keep tide tables in their hallways and glove-boxes, as the side away from the wall can get very deep at times. I have seen cars being driven across in desperation with the bow wave breaking over the outer wing! It has been known for cars (and hapless delivery vans) to get get stuck and very damp.

The beach is also a popular place for collecting seaweed at low tide (for agricultural purposes) and it is sometimes necessary to dodge a tractor and trailer.'

'One of the smallest full-timers I have encountered. Note the overkill depth gauge and diminutive slab bridge on Image 2 for those who can't muster a stride over a foot!'

'Down a metalled road, narrow even by Cornish standards, is this miserable muddy trickle. It may have been an Irish Bridge: the mud made it difficult to tell! Suitable for all but wide vehicles.'

'Part Time Ford with depth gauge and footbridge, suitable for all vehicles. '

'Follow the three-ply asphalt lane down past the church to find this pretty little watersplash by an enviably picturesque old mill house. Concrete bottom, about 2.5m across and 1” deep; footbridge, depth gauge, no Ford signs. '

'At low tide, this is just a watersplash about a car’s length across, but when the tide comes in it floods the approaches to a length of about 350m. Multiple ford signs, depth gauges, raised footway at the central part.'

'A quality little ford. Steeply sloping concrete ramps span between tarmac and a set cobbled base. These act to compress suspension if hit with any pace to exacerbate any splashdown - keep the WD40 handy for such an action shot! About 8" deep on this visit'

St Mawgan (x3!)

'Reed grain concrete base and about 4" deep on this visit. Sign on the far side of the road says private so needs checking with Cornwall CC.

The second ford lies down a road losing its battle with nature (Image 2). The ford is more of a monster then it looks. It has a rock bottom with steep ledges up to 18" deep. The bed profile now makes it unsuitable for cars. High clearance 4x4 only, which is a shame as the sister crossing on the same road is a 9" ford and more than suitable!'

'The 400 metre long stone causeway to St Michael’s Mount starts on Marazion beach, at low tide accessible by vehicle down a ramp. At high tide, the beach and the causeway are completely covered. Only authorised vehicles may cross it, but it is in daily use to service this highly popular National Trust property, and the small community that live and work on the island.'

http://www.francisfrith.com/uk/

'The old cast iron signpost at the southern end rightly says that this road is “Impracticable for cars”, but it’s OK for 4x4s. The ford is just a shallow gravel watersplash, with a small raised footway.'

'Good concrete ford, about 6m across and 1.5in deep, with small bridge alongside for light vehicles. Ford signs, depth gauge. '

'Tiny watersplash on narrow lane; Ford signs, grassy raised footway. At 6ft, the depth gauge seems a bit overcautious. '

'Tiny watersplash on narrow ORPA signed Unsuitable for Motors, but OK for all types of vehicle to the ford from Tencreek; the road on to Porthallow is getting overgrown and looks little used. No signs or other accoutrements. '

'This low wooden bridge across the creek of the East Looe River is a part-time tidal road, being liable to flooding at exceptionally high tides; raised walkway. '

'Concrete part-time ford. Depth gauge, raised footway, no Ford signs.'

'It wasn't worth the excursion about 1-2 metres across with concrete base approx 6 inches deep. Down an easy concrete/tarmac lane so suitable for all.'

'Concrete base and deeper than nearby Mountjoy despite lesser signage!'

'Not on the yellow road but immediately south of it, on the public byway to Henon (and part of the Camelford Way Moorland Walk), this excellent gravel ford is 11m across and 3in deep. Ford signs, fine clapper footbridge. '

'Tarred part-timer with footbridge; no signs.'

Tregidden (x2!)

'This attractive watersplash is on the edge of the hamlet of Tregidden, and signed from the nearby crossroads. It is marked on the OS Explorer Map, as is another ford just to the north of the hamlet (Image 2), which is nothing more than a part-timer.'

'Part timer shown on OS 1:25,000 map; Ford signs, small stone footbridge.'

'Concrete part-timer, with footbridge, depth gauge and Ford signs.'

'The rough byway to Withiel, a public bridleway and part of the Saints Trail, passes through this good ford, 12m across and 4in deep. Double footbridge.'

'Part-timer on very narrow tarred lane. Ford signs, distant and home.'

'Nice little concrete ford, about 3m across and 2” deep. Ford signs, footbridge, little-used bridge for light vehicles on west side.'

'Little Irish Bridge just off the junction'

'Concrete part time ford marked on OS 1:25,000 map; small stone footbridge, no signs.'

'Attractive ford wider than most in the area. Weathered concrete base with a depth on this visit of about 5"'

'The local council may neglect the surface of this rough byway, passable by car with care but really fit only for 4x4s, but they were at least trimming the vegetation back when I was there. There are Unsuitable for Motors and Ford signs at both ends, and more Ford signs at the ford itself. This is a double splashdown, across two tiny streams that trickle across the road. Footbridge.'

'Tiny setted ford, little more than a drain across the road. Small stone footbridge, no Ford signs. '

'At the far end of the tarred lane signposted Bastreet, up on the edge of Bodmin Moor, the ford marked on the OS 1:25,000 map is a tiny trickle across the mouth of the unmade road to Tressellern farm. Not worth the detour in itself, but a pleasant quiet spot for a picnic. '

'Good concrete ford, 10m across and 2in deep, on cul-de-sac road. Ford signs (distant and home), footbridge about 30yds to west. '

Watergate (x2!)

'Part of the Land's End to John o'Groats Reliability Trial (LE JOG), the first ford (image 1) has a good concrete bottom and lasts for around 3 car lengths (10m). Light traffic can use the bridge alongside (weight limit 3 tonnes).

A kilometre south of the foregoing. alongside the bridge, is this old ford, still occasionally used by farm traffic and horses. About a foot deep and 10m across.'

'Concrete part-time ford; signs (home and distant), footbridge.'

'Little concrete watersplash at junction, across mouth of road from NW. Small stone slab footbridge, signs on all three approach roads. '

'Small gravel ford on muddy woodland RUPP. Footbridge. '

'The byway to Cork Farm, a public bridleway, leaves the yellow road through this fine gravel-bottomed ford, 20m across and 4in deep. Footbridge.'

'The ford across the unnamed stream that drains the lake in Parson's Park Pit, is on the track between the farms at Northwood and Wortha. It is accompanied by a charming little mossy footbridge.'