A Truly Varied & Scenic Walk 🚶‍♂‍

I've had the pleasure of doing this hike half a dozen times myself, including once with a TV crew and all the heavy equipment. Recently, I've heard from many others who have enjoyed every scenic inch of this wonderful circular walk.

You could probably write a book about what makes a truly classic walk. And if you did, you might want to include a chapter titled: "Great Hikes that are as Varied as They are Beautiful." The Fowey, Bodinnick, Hall Walk, Pont Pill, Lantic Bay, and Polruan circular could claim pride of place in such a chapter. This walk has almost every type of view imaginable — save for craggy moorlands.

Highlights of the Walk 🌱⛵

There are not one, but two ferry rides — and there's something uniquely magical about combining a walk with being afloat, even if only for a short while. This walk offers quaint Cornish street scenes, some of the finest estuarine views in the region, beautiful ancient woodlands, forgotten quays, a historic church, open heaths, stunning coast path sections, and picturesque harbours lined with welcoming pubs.

Is there any walker anywhere who could resist such an offering? I think not! So, let’s head to Fowey. This depth-of-winter period is a particularly good time to visit. In summer, Fowey's central car parks fill up fast, so it’s best to use the overflow car park a few hundred yards up from the Bodinnick Ferry. Even now, this is an ideal place to leave your vehicle, as the ferry takes us across to start our walk.

Across the Fowey River 🚢

A small but powerful boat pushes the ferry across the river towards Bodinnick, where you’ll find the historic Old Ferry Inn and Ferryside, Daphne Du Maurier’s former home. The Old Ferry Inn might not win awards for originality in naming, but its charm and coziness make it a tempting stop — perhaps for another day, as we have more miles to cover!

The Hall Walk 🌳

Climbing up past the inn, look out for the signpost for Hall Walk on your right. This path winds along the top of oak woods towards Polruan at the estuary mouth, providing breathtaking views every few steps. You'll pass a war memorial and, as the path swings into Pont Pill, a stone marking the life of Sir Arthur Quiller Couch, a noted Cambridge professor and author who lived in Fowey.

I once interviewed writer Tim Heald for an ITV Westcountry segment here. He shared stories of Quiller Couch, who would row across the river to climb to this very vantage point — a tradition that adds even more depth to an already splendid route.

Pont Pill and Lanteglos 🛣️

Continuing to Pont Pill, the path leads you into the serene heart of rural Cornwall, despite being so close to the lively towns of Fowey and Polruan. It’s hard to believe this peaceful spot was once bustling with sailing ships, trading goods up and down the creek.

Our next climb takes us due south to Lanteglos-by-Fowey Church, where we turn left to reach the National Trust car park up on the Polruan-Lansallos road.

After a short walk along the lane, we’ll arrive at the coast path — the gateway to even more spectacular scenery.

Coastal Delights: Lantic Bay & Polruan 🏖

One of the walk's highlights is the stunning section of coast near Lantic Bay. From here, the view is spectacular: Great and Little Lantic Bay lie below, two hidden coves that seem to encapsulate the best of the South Cornish coast.

We head west, passing Blackbottle Rock and Washing Rocks, eventually descending to Polruan. As we reach the harbour, the famous old Blockhouse comes into view — a nod to the town's rich history.

Ending the Walk with a Pint 🍻

All that remains is to board the lower-ferry (foot passengers only) back to Fowey. While waiting, why not enjoy a pint at the Lugger Inn? After crossing the river, it’s a leisurely stroll through Fowey’s charming streets back to where our adventure began.

Fact File 📏

• Basic Walk: From Fowey across the Bodinnick Ferry, through Hall Walk to Pont Pill, over the hill past Lanteglos Church to Lantic Bay, and west to the lower ferry at Polruan, ending back through Fowey.

• Recommended Map: OS Explorer 107 St Austell and Liskeard.

• Distance and Difficulty: Four miles, easy-going.

Enjoy your walk and experience the magic of Fowey 🌍❤️!