Fowey not only lures the romantics to meander along it’s winding streets, but the active and adventurous are also drawn to our sparkling river and steep hikes. If you’re not sure where to begin your active getaway in the great Cornish outdoors, we’ve put together a list of our favourite pursuits, both on and off shore.
Kayaking the River Fowey
There’s no better way to explore the estuary’s hidden tributaries and pontoons than on a kayak. Just three miles up-river from Fowey is the charming and often overlooked village of Golant (famed for being the inspiration behind The Wind in the Willows). Here, you can join Encounter Cornwall on a three hour trip around the estuary’s hidden creeks and backwaters, or a leisurely paddle down river back to Fowey. If you’re experienced, kayak and canoe hire is available from £15 for four hours. Oh, and keep your eyes peeled for Sawmill Studios hidden in its own tidal creek (and maybe a celeb or two loading their guitars into the building!)
Go Coasteering
If you head half an hour north west, you’ll find yourself at Cornwall’s very own Adrenline Quarry. Home to the self proclaimed “UK’s Maddest Zipwire” and a swing the flies you 160 feet over a cliff, this is one adrenaline junkie’s paradise not to be missed. Their coasteering sessions are fun and challenging but without the hassle of waiting for the right tides and weather. Prices start at £30 for fresh water coasteering – advanced booking essential!
Mountain Biking at Lanhydrock
Whether you’ve got the family in tow or want to hit the hard trails, the new cycle trackss at Lanhydrock have something for everyone. Graded from green to red – just like in a ski resort – there are trails for the beginner to the enthusiast. Lanhydrock also has a bike rental service, so there’s no need to drag your bikes all the way down to Cornwall with you! When you’ve worn out those tyres (and family), be sure to stop in the Park Cafe for a slice of cake and cup of tea.
Stroll along the Hall Walk
The Hall Walk, starting on the other side of the river in Bodinnick and ending in Polruan is a true stunner of a trek. Armed with your trusty walking boots and a camera, start your afternoon by boarding the Bodinnick Ferry and lazily chugging across the water. The walk begins with a hop onto dry land (maybe a cheeky drink in the pub) and a walk up a steep hill past quaint houses and a thatched church. Follow the signs for the coast path and enjoy stunning views of the goings on of the estuary. Be prepared for a steep incline when you make it to Polruan – the coast path suffered a landslide and the route now leads you up into the village before dropping back down to the harbour.
Take it easy
If you’ve spent your days in Cornwall using up all your energy cycling, hiking and kayaking, take some time out to sit back and relax. If you fancy a quiet day floating on the river and want to let someone else do all the hard work, book an afternoon with Fowey River Cruises or on the Fowey Picnic Boat. Take a quick spin around the estuary, spend the day visiting other ports along the coast or simply watch the world go by whilst tasting the local seafood. Does it get much better than that?
Forget unsmiling waiters, small portions and whispered conversations, dining here is all about fun and enjoyment – quality local produce features heavily on the menu of our Mediterranean-influenced dishes, prepared using classic techniques.
Our wine list, hand-picked by Britain’s youngest Master of Wine, is pretty good too …The bright restaurant leads out onto a spacious terrace where on a sunny day you can enjoy afternoon tea (the Cornish way of course, jam first!), a pre-dinner glass of fizz, or a long, lazy lunch. It’s a great spot to watch life on the estuary unfold, from boats of all shapes and sizes to the local wildlife which includes resident swans and the occasional dolphin.
Opening times
Lunch: 12.30pm to 2.30pm
(Easter to September) telephone the restaurant to confirm opening times all other times of the year.
Dinner: 7pm to 9pm daily
Tel: 01726 833302
Publish in Cornwall Living www.cornwall-living.co.uk
Taxi services
A&J Taxis 01726 814892
Yeo’s Taxis 01726 814095
White River Cars 01726 76244
Coastal Cars 01726 832372
Busses
Fowey to St Austell Timetable
River Cruise
Join us for an exclusive meander around the beautiful River Fowey aboard
“SUNBEAM” a 1930’s 20 foot classic wooden motor launch
For more information contact Brian or Gill on 078910 49536
or brian@sunbeam-fowey.co.uk
Self Drive Boat Hire (Fowey boatyard)
Contact Graham – 01726 832194
Yacht hire
48ft gentlemans classic yacht ‘La Caniche’ is available to charter for up to 14 people.
Moored in Fowey. Half day – £250
Tel: 07718291667
Trains
First Great Western
The nearest train station to Fowey is Par (4 miles). We recommend pre-booking a taxi if arriving by train.
Fowey Photo Gallery
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General
Fowey Tourist Information Centre – www.fowey.co.uk
01726 833616
Fowey Maritime Centre – Visit website
The Eden Project – Visit website
The Lost Gardens of Heligan – Visit website
The Minack Theatre – Visit website
Hall for Cornwall – Visit website
National Maritime Museum Cornwall – Visit website
Karen Brown’s Travel – Visit website
Sailing courses and lessons – Visit website
Canoeing and kayaking trips/hire – Visit website
South West Coast Path – Visit website
English Heritage – Visit website
Tel: 01726 833302 • Fowey • Cornwall • PL23 1AQ
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