Coastal Walks and Beaches Near Fowey
The Cornish coast is the longest coastline in the world, and is certainly among the most breathtaking. Stretching for over 400 miles around a seabound peninsula, it has a little bit of everything, from rugged cliffs and breathtaking natural landmarks to picturesque villages and bustling harbours to golden, sandy beaches and secluded coves. Staying in Fowey is a wonderful way to get a taste of the beautiful South Cornwall coast, and whether you prefer walking high atop a cliff, ambling through gorgeous natural surroundings, or enjoying the day on a beach, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Here, we look at some of the best coastal walks and beaches near Fowey, to help you plan your next visit.
Enjoying Some of the Best Coastal Walks in Cornwall
Fowey is a wonderful place to walk, with easy access to the South West Coast Path.
- The Hall Walk is a very popular walk, featuring estuary and sea views. It is a circular walk, about four miles long, and while it is dog friendly, it is moderately challenging and not suitable for push chairs. This walk can be started from Fowey, Bodinnick, or Polruan, and involves two ferry crossings. It passes through woodlands, following the banks of the river, and goes past the Q Memorial to Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch, as well as passing through Pont. If you would like to continue on, you can join the coast path to make your walk longer. From Easter to September, guides are available for the Hall Walk.
- The Gribbin Head Walk is perfect if you are looking for diverse landscapes. You can really get a feel for the beautiful and inspirational countryside here, are you pass beaches, coves, woodland, and meadows of wildflowers, as well as iconic sites like St Catherine’s Castle and Gribbin Head. Along the way, you will have numerous chances for wildlife spotting, as well as gorgeous views of St Austell Bay.
- The Menabilly Walk is extremely family friendly. This circular walk begins in Fowey, heading west on the South West Coastal Path to the Menabilly Peninsula. Walking along woodland and coastal paths, you will pass St Catherine’s Castle, the Lankelly Cliffs, Gribbin Head, and Polridmouth Bay, enjoying panoramic sea views along the way.
Beaches Near Fowey for a Wealth of Seaside Activities
Cornwall has an abundance of beaches, as you would expect from such a long coastline. Even the Cornwall beaches furthest from Fowey take no more than a couple of hours in the car to reach. However, there are plenty of beautiful beaches within just a few miles of Fowey.
- Readymoney Cove is between Fowey and St Catherine’s Castle, close to the mouth of the Fowey Estuary. This sweet little sandy beach is sheltered by cliffs and has rock pools for exploring. There are no lifeguards, but there are facilities and a charming café, and the beach is cleaned daily during the high season.
- Polruan actually has two beaches, best visited towards high tide. Polruan Back Beach is in the heart of the village, close to amenities, and is nice for a family outing. Polruan Quay Beach is near the village’s quay, and is generally safe for swimming, though it can be a busy spot for boat traffic. Both beaches are most easily reached by taking a ferry from Fowey.
- Lantic Bay is truly a hidden gem. Located between Fowey and Polperro, this remote, cliff-backed beach features white sand and turquoise waters. It is dog friendly and good for swimming, though there can be strong rip currents and there are no lifeguards. It is a near perfect place to relax and enjoy the seclusion.
- Polridmouth is a twin cove that has two distinct beaches at low tide. Separated by a low, rocky headland, these beaches all but disappear as the tide comes in. They are rarely busy, and back up to coast path to the west and the grounds of Polridmouth cottage to the east. There are no lifeguards, but these sheltered, dog friendly beaches are considered safe for swimming.
- Polkerris is a sandy beach, sheltered by a harbour wall. It is the cove next to Menabilly, the long time home of author Daphne du Maurier, one of Fowey’s most famous residents. There are no lifeguards at this beach, but there are public toilets, a shop, a café, and a pub, all nearby.
- Par Sands, a south-facing sandy beach backed by low sand dunes, is located just outside St Austell. It is a large enough beach that it is still pleasant, and does not seem crowded, even on a busy day. With a gentle slope, it is perfect for paddling, but there are no lifeguards, so it is important to be cautious when swimming.
- Lansallos Cove is a small sand and shingle beach with a small waterfall on its eastern side. This beach is a few miles east of Pencarrow Head, at Lanlivet Bay. There are no lifeguards, facilities, or amenities at this beach, but it is a place of intense natural beauty, with clear blue water and the natural waterfall. It is the perfect place for a secluded beach day, and it is even dog friendly. It can be breezy enough to fly kites, and there are many paths through the dunes, along with a small lake.
Stay in Fowey at The Old Quay House Hotel
When you are planning a visit to Fowey, The Old Quay House Hotel is the perfect place to stay. Nestled in the heart of Fowey, this riverside boutique hotel offers a modern-day bolthole away from life’s stresses and chores. Check with us for special offers, and we will do everything in our power to make your stay even more special. For more information about our rooms, our special offers, or our spectacular restaurant, email info@theoldquayhouse.com, or contact us through our website.
