Walking Routes, Cornwall: Hiking Trails in Fowey
When it comes to finding spectacular walking routes, Cornwall is a place like no other. It has a climate that feels more like the Mediterranean than the UK, and the countryside is absolutely beautiful. If you are looking for great hiking trails, Fowey is a wonderful place to start. Located on the southern coast, also called the Cornish Riviera, it is right on the famous South West Coast Path, within easy reach of breathtaking clifftop views, colourful fishing villages, picturesque harbours, some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and countryside full of lush, green hills and mores. Whether you are looking for a walk in the country or a hike along the coast, we have suggestions for the best walks near The Old Quay House in Fowey.
Coastal Walks in Fowey
The South West Coast Path is one of the longest coastal footpaths in the world, at 630 miles, but only about 76 of those miles go through South Cornwall, running from Falmouth to Plymouth. Of course, there is no need to walk the entire 76 miles to have a remarkable experience walking the coast near Fowey! There are near-infinite ways to break it down, but here are some of our favourites:
Child Friendly Coastal Walk
There is a circular path from Fowey to Menabilly that is easy enough to manage with children. Simply head west on the South West Coastal Path, heading to the Menabilly Peninsula which is, of course, Daphne du Maurier country. Along the way you will see St Catherine’s Castle, the Lankelly cliffs, Gribbin Head, and beautiful Polridmouth Bay, passing beaches, stunning cliffs, and a gorgeous wildflower meadow.
6 Mile Walk
Take the 6 mile walk from Towan Beach to Falmouth, with two ferry rides along the way. From Towan Beach you will walk to St Anthony Head, then head to Place Quay to take the Place ferry to St Mawes. At low tide there is a gorgeous beach at St Anthony Head, and once you get to the pretty little village of St Mawes, you will take another ferry to Falmouth. Bring along a bathing costume, because once you have walked through Falmouth you will want to enjoy the beach there.
Year Round Walking Trail
The Hall Walk and Lantic Bay trail from Fowey is a perfect, manageable walk through diverse landscapes. This is another two ferry walk, and it is pleasant, even in the middle of winter, though it is graded ‘moderate’ by the National Trust because of a few steep slopes along the way. Start by catching the ferry to from Fowey to Polruan, where you will find the Hall Walk marked on a map at the quay, so snap a picture before you head along your route. While you are in Polruan, take the time to explore the 14th century blockhouse, also known as Polruan Castle, and if you walk through it to the rocky promontory above the River Fowey, you will see some amazing views of Fowey and St. Catherine’s Castle.
Retrace your steps to Battery Lane, and you will find signage pointing you to the South West Coast Path, which will take you all the way to Lantic Bay. You can go down to the bay, and it is very beautiful, but the climb back up to the path is steep. Turn inland, and you will find a footpath, the Hall Walk, leading through shady country lanes and dense woodland, high above the River Fowey, then down to the beautiful little hamlet of Pont Pill, thought to be the inspiration for ‘The Wind in the Willows’. Cross Pont Quay and then climb towards the top of the valley, walking as far as the Arthur Quiller-Couch memorial before heading down into Bodinnick. In this riverside village you will find a 13th century pub, the Old Ferry Inn, as well as ‘Ferryside’, which was once the family home of Daphne du Maurier. Catch the ferry back across to Fowey, to complete your walk. The Hall Walk trail is four miles long, but if you add the trek to Lantic Bay, that means an extra two or three miles, particularly if you walk all the way down to the bay.
Countryside Walks in Cornwall
The coast gets most of the press, but the countryside in Cornwall is just as lovely. Near Fowey, there are several hikes that go through scenic pastoral areas, lush meadows, and shaded woodland paths, where you can enjoy the beauty of nature as you walk.
- The Saints Way Trail is a famous route that crosses from coast to coast, from Padstow to Fowey. The course is beautiful and varied, passing through woodlands, valleys, pastures, moors, and villages, with some of the most awe-inspiring scenery in the country. You will see countless species of flora and fauna, traverse rolling pastures of ancient farmland, and see ancient bridges, old tracks, prehistoric ruins, picturesque villages, and churches along the way. The entire trail is about 30 miles long, but an 11 mile route is also available, with this shorter route passing through Tywardreath, a proper Cornish village that is also the site of a medieval monastic settlement. Whichever route you choose, the trails is very well marked with signposts.
- A circular walk through Tywardreath and Par offers an easy 3.5 mile jaunt. Much of the route that passes through Par used to be a tidal creek, and on some of the reclaimed land, a wetland nature reserve has been created. It is a wonderful path for bird watching, particularly waterfowl, and there is a sandy beach at Par where dogs are allowed all year. You will pass Par Harbour, Tywardreath Church, Tywardreath Marshes, and several pubs where you can stop for refreshment.
- Take a circular walk in the West Looe Valley to St Nun’s Well, for a lovely passage through broadleaf woodland. This walk is about six and a half miles long, and at one point a stream crosses the path, so you will want to wear waterproof boots. You will see damsels and butterflies beside the river, and in the spring, bluebells and wild garlic grow along the path. If you bring a medium or large dog, you should be prepared to lift your furry friend over the stile at Hobb’s Park, but the rest of the stiles should be easy for dogs to navigate or bypass. Points of interest along this path include St Nun’s Holy Well, Peylent Church, and a pub, and the steepness grade is moderate. St Nun’s Well is one of the simplest and prettiest wells in all of Cornwall, and this is saying something, because Cornwall has many holy wells. Set into a bank at the top of a grassy meadow above the river Trelawne, it features a façade of drystone down which water drips into a large granite bowl. Be warned, though: it is said that if a visitor neglects to leave a bent pin as an offering at the well, the negligent visitor will be followed home by clouds of mischievous piskies.
Walk the Beautiful Countryside, then Stay in Exquisite Comfort
When you are looking for scenic walks, waterfront dining, and a beautiful place to relax during your Fowey holiday, The Old Quay House Hotel is the perfect place to stay. Nestled in the heart of Fowey, in a beautifully picturesque location at 28 Fore Street, 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. Stay in one of our 13 luxurious bedrooms and you will enjoy not only big comfy beds and every amenity you need for a decadent stay.
Once a refuge for sailors, The Old Quay House is deeply connected to the area’s history, and the character of each bedroom is meticulously crafted to tell its own story, in keeping with that rich tradition. In our Victorian building, you will find friendly staff ready to make your stay comfortable and memorable, and while we cannot accommodate children under the age of 8, in most cases we welcome well-behaved, friendly dogs. Call ahead to make sure that your canine companion is allowed with your particular package. For more information about our rooms, our special offers, or our spectacular restaurant, email [email protected], or contact us through our website.
