Boddinick to Fowey (Creeks and Coves Walk)

*** To help you follow the route with confidence, we have provided full written turn-by-turns to aid you on your Boddinick to Fowey (Creeks and Coves Walk). Whilst part of Cornwall is waymarked (it is normal for the South West Coast Path, but local towns and villages are usually also signposted). At sections, the trail can be featureless and off the beaten path, so we strongly suggest that you follow the GPS tracks in the Macs Adventure smartphone app to ensure you have a safe, enjoyable and problem-free day.  The daily maps can also be printed from the web version of the app should you wish to take paper copies with you. ***

DISCLAIMER: Please note, the distances and ascent/descents are approximations of the direct routes at the time our pathfinder walking them (this excludes walking to/from your accommodation to the start/end point, or for example, coming off the path for lunch). There may be some slight discrepancies/small diversions that make the distances slightly out compared to your own mapping software (Strava/Garmin/Apple Watch).

0.00km – To begin today’s hike take the car ferry from Fowey to Boddinick and start at the slipway. CONTINUE STRAIGHT ON heading uphill on the road for 150 metres, walking past the pub, red phone box and church. There is no pavement so walk on the right-hand side facing the oncoming traffic.

Ferry information is available here: http://www.ctomsandson.co.uk/bodinnick-ferry/

0.15km – TURN RIGHT between two houses, following the wooden sign for ‘Hall Walk, Pont & Polruan’. After 60 metres, proceed through the gate and CONTINUE STRAIGHT ON.

0.26km – At the stone World War II memorial CONTINUE STRAIGHT ON for 1.7km, enjoying the great views across the river to Fowey and Polruan.

2.00km – BEAR RIGHT through the gate to leave the field and head downhill towards Pont and Polruan.

2.20km – After heading downhill you will reach a T-junction where you must TURN RIGHT to continue downhill. After 100 metres BEAR LEFT towards the wooden bridge. There are some interesting buildings in Pont; look at the sign on the wall dating to 1894 that sets the tariffs for shipping various materials via this quay.

2.40km – After crossing the bridge, CONTINUE STRAIGHT ON up the gravel path, passing the buildings on the right. Ignore all side paths, even one which has a sign towards Polruan.

2.40km – Once you reach a road, BEAR LEFT diagonally to cross the road. Pass through the right gate which has a ‘Footpath to Church’ sign on it, and begin heading uphill.

2.80km – Emerge from the footpath onto church grounds. CONTINUE STRAIGHT ON through the graveyard, until you come to a paved, narrow road. TURN LEFT to walk on the road. This road is narrow with high hedges, so stay in the middle to ensure you are visible, and stay alert, listening for oncoming vehicles.

3.40km – Just after passing the car park on your left, the road meets a T-junction. CONTINUE STRAIGHT ON over the road and through the small footpath gate with ‘Lantic Bay’ written on it. Walk along the footpath as it runs parallel to the road. After 200 metres, pass through the gate and TURN LEFT to proceed up the grassy slope parallel to the hedgerow. You are headed towards a gate in the corner, but don’t go through it.

3.80km – Once you reach the gate in the corner, don’t go through it, but TURN RIGHT onto the mud path that heads downhill parallel to the barbed wire fence. There is a wooden sign towards Polruan. CONTINUE STRAIGHT ON for 1.6km passing through 4 gates, and keeping the sea on your left.

5.40km – Immediately after the fourth gate, the path forks. BEAR LEFT onto the mud path that heads downhill towards another gate, 200 metres away. CONTINUE STRAIGHT ON through that gate, as well as a further four. The cliffs along here are unfenced, so take care.

6.30km – As the path forks in the field, BEAR LEFT or BEAR RIGHT, to head towards the gate in the upper corner of the field.

6.40km – Once past the gate and you have joined the road, TURN LEFT to walk towards the car park. After 100 metres BEAR LEFT, around the gate and onto the footpath, following the signs to the harbour and ferry.

6.70km – After passing the Coast Watch Institution and the old stone ruins, BEAR LEFT onto the grassy slope to pass the car park on your right and skirt below the houses in front of you.

6.80km – BEAR RIGHT, keeping the houses on your right and the sea on your left.

6.90km – After reaching the gravel road, CONTINUE STRAIGHT ON. After 100 metres BEAR RIGHT, following the coast path sign towards the harbour. Then after a further 100 metres, BEAR LEFT continue downhill.

7.10km – At the bottom of the hill TURN RIGHT onto West Road, following the sign to the harbour and village. You can take an optional detour to the blockhouse from here by turning left (See points of interest section).

7.30km – Look carefully for a narrow set of stairs heading between two houses called Garrett Steps. TURN LEFT down these steps, and at the bottom, the ferry jetty is directly in front of you. You can catch the ferry from here to Fowey, but why not explore Polruan first?

Ferry Information is available here: http://www.ctomsandson.co.uk/polruan-ferry/

7.30km – Once you have taken the ferry, BEAR LEFT up the slipway and then up the steps and slope until you reach the Esplanade. TURN RIGHT onto the Esplanade to walk into town.

7.60km – At the T-junction, TURN RIGHT to continue downhill. After 100 metres, finish near the museum, church and aquarium. Why not get homemade ice cream and sit on one of the benches near the estuary?

 *** This is the end of our Boddinick to Fowey (Creeks and Coves Walk). ***