Fowey Estuary Walking Tour

Enjoy a day of walking and discovery in Fowey on our private full-day guided walking tour on and around the River Fowey Estuary.

Along the way, we’ll uncover the rich history, breathtaking scenery, and hidden gems of this iconic Cornish destination. From picturesque coves and ancient castles to charming villages and wooded trails, this tour offers a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation, showcasing the best of Fowey and its surroundings.

Tour Highlights

Aerial view of stone fort on cliff edge.

St Catherine's Castle

A small artillery fort built by Henry VIII, perched above the Fowey estuary with stunning views of the coastline.

Scenic Cornish coast with beach and buildings

Readymoney Cove

A picturesque sandy cove near Fowey, perfect for a swim or a quiet retreat, surrounded by cliffs and woodland.

Rustic riverside cottages in lush green setting.

Pont Quay

A National Trust hidden gem on the Pont Pill creek, rich in history and natural beauty.

Historic stone building, coastal path, cloudy sky, riverside houses.

Polruan Blockhouse

A medieval "chain tower" guarding the entrance to the estuary, offering a glimpse into Cornwall’s maritime past.

Sheila T.
4 weeks ago
There are not enough positive words to express how wonderful my experience with Cornwall Tours was! Nick did such an excellent job in “understanding the assignment” in taking us to Poldark sites. Breathtaking scenery. He was so knowledgeable and entertaining and provided such comfortable transportation with refreshments to boot. I recommend Cornwall Tours 1000%!
Kylie G
2 months ago
The six of us really enjoyed our private tour with Nick of Cornwall Tours. He was on time and very informative everywhere we went. We could tell he was concerned if we were having a good time and seeing what we wanted to see. He suggested substitute places for the ones he felt were not as good as what we thought they would be. I recommend Nick and appreciate all he did for us
Patricia C.
4 months ago
We spent two days with Nick. Every stop was interesting. He knows Cornwall like the back of his hand. Always accommodating - a really nice guy
Paulette L.
4 months ago
Absolutely best decision I could have made. Nick was personable, knowledgeable, courteous and completely focused on customer service. He will do whatever he can to make his customers happy, more than any guide I have ever used. I use a cane. He made sure all the sites were comfortably accessible, had a wheelchair in the back of the van if needed and a “princess” step to make getting in and out of the van easier. He knows all the nooks and crannies of Cornwall, great photo opportunities and fascinating anecdotes. I don’t think Nick has ever met a stranger. Immediately warm and welcoming, he does so many thoughtful things. Water, drinks, hand wipes, phone chargers. He even pulled out a thermos to make hot tea during our custom curated tours. He is determined to make his customers happy. To have a great tour of Cornwall all you have to do is get in the van. Nick takes it from there. He wouldn’t get all these five star reviews if he wasn’t really, really good. Book him now and early. If you snooze, you lose. There’s only one Nick.
Maite M.
9 months ago
We took the nort Cornwall tour and all the stops were beautiful, Nick explained all the history of the places we saw, and also answered our question. We would really recommend it!
Mary K.
9 months ago
We had a wonderful ancestry day with Cornwall Tours. We’ve done similar tours in other countries, but this was by far the best.

Nick helped us plan everything in advance and was flexible when we wanted to make changes, even on the day itself. Julian was an excellent guide. He was knowledgeable, easy to spend time with, and a skilled driver. The van was modern and stocked with thoughtful touches like water, snacks. We were given a binder of historical information about the towns we visited.

Julian set a comfortable pace as we visited the towns and cemeteries of our ancestors, which made the day personal and relaxed.

We highly recommend Cornwall Tours for anyone interested in exploring Cornwall or their family history.
Andy B.
11 months ago
We had an awesome time exploring Cornwall with Nick. He showed us sites that we never would have seen on our own not to mention navigating the skinny roads of the region. You wanna see Cornwall properly, call Nick!
Elena M.
11 months ago
The tour of Cornwall was excellent. Nick knew a lot about local towns and sites. He pointed out many things we did not know about before we visited. It was very nice not having to drive ourselves. We never had to worry about directions or parking as it was all taken care of. I highly recommend this tour company. It made exploring the area of Cornwall easy and stress free.
Meredith J.
11 months ago
I arranged a custom family history tour with Nick during some free time on a group tour. He created a thoughtful 5-hour itinerary around Camborne and Redruth, taking me to mining sites, cemeteries, and town centers connected to my ancestors. Nick was well-prepared and knowledgeable, and made the experience both informative and meaningful. Highly recommend!
Mary B.
12 months ago
Nick went above and beyond taking me on a fantastic Day Tour of West Cornwall. He exceeded all of my (high) expectations. Nick’s knowledge is extensive— of the rich history of the area, of the many sights and activities available to a first time visitor to the area, and of traffic patterns and parking spots. He kindly adjusted our schedule to accommodate accessing the causeway at Saint Michael’s Mount at low tide and tweaked our itinerary so we could enjoy some places that topped my wish list. I look forward to booking another wonderful tour with him next time I return.
mike G.
12 months ago
Nick’s tour was FANTASTIC, to say the least. He went out of his way to design an outstanding set of tours, and for us it was the Lizard Peninsula and North Cornwall. Both were well planned and the scenery fabulous. He is a wonderful guide, knowledgeable and very personable, and just a lot of fun! Highly recommend his tours.
Joanne M.
1 year ago
We've had a wonderful tour of the Lizard peninsular with Nick as our guide for the day. We got to see many beautiful places that we would never have got to, or found otherwise. Nick was extremely informative, accommodating, great fun and sensitive to all our needs (knees and hills!), he even organised fantastic weather! Thank you Cornwall Tours, we will definitely be booking again in the future as it's a perfect way to see this beautiful County.
Tiffany S.
2 years ago
Nick was absolutely incredible as both a transport from LHR to our Airbnb in Charlestown, and as a tour guide. Nick took my best friend and I on the most amazing adventure hike across the coast of Cornwall, all the way to Lands End, complete with laughs, history of the region, and proper English tea overlooking Logan Rock. Nick single-handedly made the tour seamless, scenic, interesting beyond belief, and took us to parts of Cornwall most only dream of seeing. If you can go on a tour with Nick, don’t walk, RUN! He is THE BEST!!

Tour Essentials

Private Tour

Accommodation pick up and drop off in our luxury minibus

Walking

Includes optional scenic coastal walks with accessible options

Photos

Fequent scenic photo stops througout the day.

Food & Drink

Traditional Cornish pasty lunch* Complimentary cold drinks

Flexible Route

Adaptable route and flexible timings to suit you

Attractions

Tickets for visitor attractions are not required to enjoy our packed itineraries.

Your Tour Guide

Picture of Nick

Nick

Nick is a local guide with a passion for the paddlesports, photography and all things outdoors. He never gets tired of exploring Cornwall and showing visitors some of the hidden gems that other locals want to keep a secret!

Nick's Tour Notes

This tour is a fabulous day out; we’ll experience truly stunning scenery, fascinating local history, a few Cornish hidden gems and some of Cornwall’s top visitor attractions.

After collecting you from your accommodation we’ll journey by private minibus to Fowey stopping on the way to pick up an award-winning pasty for lunch before catching the ferry on to the village of Bodinnick where we start the walk.

The walk is is approximately 12km in total but can be adapted to suit the needs of the group (anything we don’t see on foot we can get to by minibus).

The moderate circular route follows woodland trails along the creeks of the Fowey Estuary and the South West Coast Path to secluded beaches, dramatic headlands and historic castles.

Along the way, we’ll learn about Cornish maritime heritage we’ll uncover the rich history, breathtaking scenery, and hidden gems of this iconic Cornish destination.

If you need to know more or have any questions about this tour please send me a message.

Tour Itinerary

Pick Up
Caffa Mill
Idyllic riverside with boats and green landscape.

Our walk starts on the North side of Fowey where we cross the river on the Bodinnick Vehicle Ferry - a crossing with over 600 years of history!

Bodinnick
Quaint Cornish village by the riverfront.

We'll visit the picturesque riverside village where Daphne du Maurier wrote her first novel, The Loving Spirit, published in 1931.

Hall Walk
Scenic coastal village with boats and lush greenery.

We follow the route of famous Hall Walk winding its way along a wooded valley high above the Fowey estuary towards Pont Creek.

Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch Memorial
Memorial plaque for Sir Arthur T. Quiller-Couch, Fowey.

At Penleath Point we pass the memorial of Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch, often referred to as Q, - the great writer and important literary man of Fowey.

Pont Quay
Rustic riverside cottages in lush green setting.

At the top of Pont Pill creek we discover Pont Quay, a National Trust hidden gem. In 1814 a granary, limekilns, malt houses and a warehouse was recorded. It also had a corn mill and sawmill, a beer house and blacksmith shop.

St Wyllow Church
Church altar with stained glass window

The story goes that St Wyllow, a Christian hermit, lived in a cave in Pont around 596. Legend has it, that he was killed by a relative and beheaded.

Lantic Bay
Sunny beach with cliffs and clear blue water.

We join the South West Coast Path above this secluded beach with golden sands and turquoise water. 

Polruan Castle
Historic stone building, coastal path, cloudy sky, riverside houses.

Heading into the village of Polruan we encounter a medieval "chain tower" or blockhouse guarding the entrance to the estuary, offering a glimpse into Cornwall’s maritime past.

Polruan Ferry
Polruan ferry by a picturesque coastal village

At Polruan we cross over the river back to Fowey on the Polruan passenger ferry

Readymoney Cove
Scenic Cornish coast with beach and buildings

Walking out towards the mouth of the estuary we pass a picturesque sandy cove, perfect for a swim on warm days.

St Catherines's Castle
Aerial view of stone fort on cliff edge.

A small artillery fort built by Henry VIII, perched above the Fowey estuary with stunning views of the coastline.

Fowey
Picturesque Fowey town with historic buildings and harbour view.

The historic town of Fowey is our final port of call, for a Cornish Cream Tea and a stroll around the narrow winding streets before heading back to the minibus.

Common Questions

What's included in the tour?

Your tour includes:

  • Luxury private air-conditioned VW 8 seater minibus
  • Local pick up and drop off.
  • All parking and transport charges (including ferries where applicable).
  • Complimentary cold soft drinks throughout the day.
  • A knowledgeable local driver/guide throughout the day.
  • An album of high resolution digital photographs of your day.
What's not included?

Your tour does not include:

  • Attraction Tickets
    Our tours do not require paid entrance to any attractions. Many attractions are free to enter or can be viewed from the outside. Attractions that have additional entrance costs are marked with an asterix. These can be pre-booked by arrangement if required but are not essential or recommended to enjoy this packed itinerary.
  • Travel to and from Cornwall
    We can provide long-distance transfers the day before and after your tour. Please request if required
  • Additional Food & Drinks
    The tour includes optional stops for a Traditional Cornish Pasty Lunch and a Cornish Cream Tea. If you prefer we can assist with pub or restaurant bookings but this would reduce the time to see all the places on the itinerary.
  • Accommodation
    We are happy to recommend local accommodation.
How many people can I bring?

Our Luxury VW Transporter is licenced to carry 8 passengers.  Our sightseeing tours are perfect for 1-8 guests. For larger groups please contact us to check availability.

How long is the tour?

Our one-day tours typically run for 8 hours but may be longer depending on pick-up location and seasonal traffic.

What should I bring?

We recommend bringing a raincoat, suitable footwear for the coast path and a little spending money.

What if it's raining?

Don’t worry Cornwall is still beautiful in the rain! We will adapt the tour to ensure it doesn’t affect your enjoyment of the day.

What if I have limited mobility?

The tour bus is not wheelchair adapted but can easily store wheelchairs and buggies in the large boot. We will adapt tours to suit guests with limited mobility. Please contact us to discuss your options before booking.

Can I bring my dog?

Not all tours would be suitable for dogs. Please contact us to discuss your options before booking.

Can I cancel or change my dates?

Tours can be amended (subject to availability) or cancelled any time up to 14 days before your tour date.

Cancellations after this date are charged at 80% of the full price. We recommend that guests have suitable travel insurance to cover unexpected late cancellations.

What happens if the tour is cancelled?

In the unlikely event that your tour is cancelled by us, you will be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

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