It flows north under Trevemper Bridge and becomes a tidal estuary, the Gannel (Cornish: An Ganel, meaning the Channel), that divides the town of Newquay from the village of Crantock and joins the Celtic Sea.

The estuary undoubtedly formed an important link with the outside world throughout prehistory.” Finds alongside the Gannel include three Bronze Age roundhouses.

[6] In 2007 a 'Wraxall' class neck ring was found at Pentire, indicationg the area around the Gannel was inhabited in the late Iron Age.

[10][11] A shipbuilding industry once existed at Tregunnel on the north shore of the estuary, where, from 1858 to 1881, Thomas and John Clemens built 10 schooners.

Until late in the 20th century the mouth of the Gannel was used by shipping until the silting up of the narrow channel and the development of Newquay harbour.

Fulmars, jackdaws and pigeons can be seen nesting at Pipers Hole, a deep cleft on the west side of the beach on the estuary.