Duloe Manor

Fowey, Polruan and Bodinnick walking and hiking route

The delightful little town and port of Fowey, situated on the west side of its estuary, hardly needs introduction. Inns, cafes and shops crowd its narrow main street, busy throughout the holiday season.

Across the water, Polruan is altogether quieter, nestling between water and a steep hillside, restricted road access helping to keep the area by the quay more attractive for pedestrians. Bodinnick is a smaller village than Polruan, its important feature being the eastern terminus of the ferry across the estuary. The circuit set out below is an iconic walk, using a section of the South West Coast Path, two very popular paths above Pont Pill and Bodinnick and both the car ferry and the foot ferry to cross the estuary.

There are excellent varied views, unlimited refreshment opportunities and a perambulation through Fowey. Most of the tracks are very good indeed.

Walk Instructions

Start Point

Pay and display car park, with public conveniences, at Caffa Mill, Fowey, close to the ramp serving the car ferry to Bodinnick, grid reference 127522. Alternatively, there is a small car park by the side of the road descending to the Bodinnick side of the ferry, using which saves the cost (and possible wait) of taking a vehicle across the water. However, this seems likely to be full at most times of day and of year.

From the car park turn left along the road (Station Road) to head for central Fowey. There are stone cottages and a large Weslyan Church of 1894 along the way. Continue along the main shopping street (Fore Street).

1) Turn left at Webb Street to the Town Quay; the foot ferry for Polruan operates a quarter hourly service from this quay. The short journey facilitates extensive views of Fowey, Polruan and along the wide river. Disembark at the landing steps at Polruan. Leave the quay up the access road.

2) In 20m. turn left into East Street, commencing the steep rise out of the village. Ascend the first of many steps, turning right at once to follow a 'Hall Walk' sign. In 40m. turn left at another 'Hall Walk' sign and continue to ascend steps. As height is gained, the views across to Fowey are superb. As the path rises even further, there are seats with views. Ignore any tracks which descend towards the water as the path passes through attractive woodland, high above Pont Pill (creek). Pass a 'North Downs' National Trust sign. Join a surfaced roadway; turn right then, in 20m. fork left to resume the path at a 'Pont & Bodinnick' signpost. Cross a little stream, go straight ahead at a fork, soon reaching a major junction of tracks close to a little gate.

3) Continue towards 'Pont and Bodinnick'. Go down a few steps and through a little gate, to descend gently, now with views of the upper part of the valley. Go down more steeply, including steps and a little gate. Join a broad track, turning sharp left to descend to the quiet hamlet at Pont Quay and a footbridge over the river. There is also a former lime kiln.

4) Bear right at a 'Bodinnick' sign to follow a track rising through the woodland of the valley side. In 100m. turn sharp left for a long ascent on a path with a largely rock surface. Go through/over a gate/traditional stile at the top, bearing left along the edge of a meadow. Re-enter woodland at another gate in 100m, go over a stile and pass a National Trust 'Hall Walk' sign. Apart from part concealed tree roots the path is good. Polruan and Fowey are soon in view.

5) As the track bends to the right, pass a memorial to Sir Arthur T. Quiller-Couch, notable Cornishman, writer and scholar, a fellow of colleges at both Oxford and Cambridge. Continue; the path now broader and well-used. Pass another monument and a shelter building, then another National Trust sign. Go through a little gate to descend to Bodinnick village.

6) Turn left at the public road to walk down to the car ferry. The house immediately on the left, best seen from the ferry or from across the river, was for many years the home of Daphne du Maurier, notable Cornish authoress. Cross the river to return to the car park.

Disclaimer: This route was correct at time of writing. However, alterations can happen if development or boundary changes occur, and there is no guarantee of permanent access. These walks have been published for use by site visitors on the understanding that neither HPB Management Limited nor any other person connected with Holiday Property Bond is responsible for the safety or wellbeing of those following the routes as described. It is walkers' own responsibility to be adequately prepared and equipped for the ‎level of walk and the weather conditions and to assess the safety and accessibility of the walk.