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Mouth of the Fowey estuary showing The Gribbin and St Catherine's Point, Cornwall
Mouth of the Fowey estuary showing The Gribbin and St Catherine's Point, Cornwall | © National Trust Images/George Taylor
Cornwall

Covington walk in the Fowey estuary

Explore the edge of the bustling harbour town of Fowey on this circular walk with the family. You'll pass some interesting historical sites, such as St Catherine’s Castle and one of Daphne du Maurier’s houses. Take in woodland, beaches, open fields and far-reaching views. It's the perfect place for a walk with plenty of places to stop for a picnic along the way too.

Total steps: 14

Total steps: 14

Start point

Readymoney Beach, grid ref SX117511

Step 1

From Readymoney Beach, head past Daphne du Maurier's house on your right and up the hill away from the beach. It is signposted Polkerris via Gribbin.

Step 2

At the junction, turn back on yourself and keep going up the hill into Covington Woods. Follow the coast path signposted Gribbin 2 miles.

Step 3

At this point you can make a brief detour to visit St Catherine's Castle and the Rashleigh Mausoleum which will be signposted off the path.

Rashleigh Mausoleum at St Catherine's Point, Fowey, Cornwall
Rashleigh Mausoleum at St Catherine's Point, Fowey | © National Trust Images/George Taylor

Step 4

Follow the path around to your right and take in the view over the harbour to Polruan, and back over the River Fowey.

Step 5

Keep going right on the footpath whilst keeping the sea on your left. You should pass a shelter on your right. Take the next middle path.

Step 6

At the waymarker turn left, and continue through the gate into Allday's Fields.

Step 7

Keep left and follow the coast. There's lots of room here to play games or have a picnic whilst taking in the views.

Step 8

As you leave the field go over a stile and drop down the hill to Coombe Haven Beach. This is another perfect picnic spot and an ideal place for a dip in the sea.

Step 9

From Coombe Haven, turn off the coast path and head inland toward Coombe Farm. Go up through the valley toward the woods.

Step 10

At the top of the hill, go over the stone stile and head along the track signposted St Catherine's Point.

Step 11

Carry on into Allday's Fields, this time taking the path along the top edge. Head straight across the field back towards Fowey, keeping the sea on your right.

Step 12

Go through the gateway and keep left. At the woods go through the metal kissing gate.

Step 13

Drop down the hill keeping to the left. At the junction, turn right and follow the sign post to Fowey.

Step 14

At the fork, go left and head back to Readymoney Beach at Fowey.

End point

Readymoney Beach, grid ref SX117511

Trail map

Trail map for Covington walk, Fowey estuary, Cornwall
Trail map for Covington walk, Fowey estuary | © National Trust/Hand Made Maps Ltd

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