Fowey Estuary
Spectacular walks, secluded beaches and exceptional views
Fowey Estuary, Fowey, Cornwall, PL23
Opening times for 5 February 2025
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Parking at Coombe (donations)
Dogs allowed
Please keep dogs under close control
Coast path, river and woodland walks. Steep and uneven paths. Parking at Coombe.
Steps/uneven terrain
Footpaths uneven and narrow in places
By road
From the east, turn off the A390 past Lostwithiel, onto the B3269, signposted Fowey. From the west turn off the A390 at St Blazey, through Par and onto A3082.
By train
Par train station 4 miles, St Austell train station 9 miles, Lostwithiel train station 9 miles and Bodmin Parkway train station 16 miles
By bus
For up-to-date bus routes and times, see www.transportforcornwall.co.uk
Cycling
Fowey is 4 miles from the Par Beach Trail, a gentle route on a quiet road from Par Beach (close to Par train station) to St Blazey. The trail links to National Cycle Network Route 3. The remainder of the route to Fowey is along narrow, hilly lanes and a busy A road
By ferry
Daily pedestrian ferry service from Polruan (all year) and daily car ferry service from Bodinnick (all year). Seasonal ferry to/from Mevagissey www.mevagissey-ferries.co.uk (weather permitting).
Highlights
Coombe Farm and Haven
Nature-friendly farming, walking and quiet coves.
Gribbin Daymark
The red and white striped landmark on Gribbin Headland.
St Catherine's Point
With a tudor castle ruin on the western side of the estuary.
Covington Woods
Woodland walks near to Readymoney beach.
Station Woods
A quiet woodland near Caffa Mill, away from the hustle and bustle of the town.
Pont Pill
A quiet tributary of the Fowey river, with holiday cottages, an old lime kiln and on the route of Hall Walk.
Ethy Woods
Woodlands following the river from Lerryn around to St Winnow Mill.
Things to see and do
Things to see and do around the Fowey Estuary
There are some great walks around Fowey to suit all preferences, with stretches of the South West Coast Path weaving around creeks and woodland. Discover the best places to go and activities to do, from sailing to geocaching.
Top trails
Gribbin Head walk at Fowey Estuary
Follow in the footsteps of author Daphne du Maurier on this relaxing trail which visits the coastal landscapes west of Fowey Estuary that inspired her much of her work.
Fowey Hall Walk
Savour the coastal Cornwall views on this scenic walk through woodland and creek at Fowey Estuary, on a circular route which includes two ferry rides.
Covington walk in the Fowey estuary
A circular walk around the Cornish harbour town of Fowey on this National Trust trail taking in heritage highlights and views across the estuary. It's the perfect place for a stroll with plenty of places to stop for a picnic too.
Places to stay
Pont Pill Farm House
A converted farmhouse, this character-packed cottage sits on the wooded banks near the head of a winding tidal creek.
Pont Creek Cottage
This charming dog-friendly cottage is just metres from a winding Cornish tidal creek and surrounded by woods.
Mohun
A cosy cottage just metres from a winding Cornish tidal creek surrounded by woods.
Upcoming events
Tree planting at Coombe Farm
Looking for something to do this half term? Come and help us plant 5,000 trees!
About Fowey Estuary
A spectacular coastline, combined with a lively working Cornish port, lends this area its unique character and charm.
There's a network of footpaths to discover, making the area great walking country, with the South West Coast Path offering sweeping views and a few hilly challenges.
Beaches and woodlands offer plenty of opportunities for families to explore, with a wealth of history, wildlife and watersport activities to try out.
If you need somewhere to stay, then look at our choice of holiday cottages around Pont, Lansallos and near Polruan, or why not camp at our site at Highertown Farm?
Our work
Cornish coastal meadows project
We are working to create 250 hectares of new species rich grassland at National Trust sites across Cornwall. The project, due to be completed by 2026, will help us rise to the twin challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change.