Walk - Par to Polperro

13.9 miles (22.3 km)

Par Polperro

Challenging - Moderate to strenuous

The Coast Path follows part of the National Cycle Network round Par Sands where the views to Gribbin Head contrast dramatically with the china clay works of Par. After a fairly easy stretch from Polkerris to the daymark of Gribbin Head, follow the Path along high cliffs passing coves and walking out to headlands with fantastic views.

Fowey sits on a beautiful estuary with tidal creeks full of families of birds such as herons, curlews, redshanks and little egret. The historic town is an ideal place to rest and find refreshments before the ferry crossing to Polruan.

The wild beauty of this area of the Cornish coast was inspiration for Daphne du Maurier, Kenneth Grahame and many other writers and artists. Much of the next stretch from Polruan to Polperro is owned by the National Trust and the Path climbs and zig zags over towering, rugged cliffs and dips down to small rocky coves, providing fantastic scenery but strenuous walking. You can rest and take in the views on one of the seats found on the seaward Path which leads down to the village of Polperro.

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There are a range of wonderful places to lay your head near the Coast Path for a well-earned sleep. From large and luxurious hotels, to small and personable B&B's, as well as self-catering options and campsites. The businesses that support the Path, where you've chosen to visit, are listed here.

Great Kellow Farm Caravan & Campsite

01503 272387

*Budget* Situated above the beautiful village of Polperro. We are a quiet family & dog friendly campsite. The campsite has sea views and easy access to country and coastal walks.

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Fimbarr's Reach

07725193314

Fimbarr's Reach is a lovely villa house near the South West Coast Path, situated in the heart of Fowey with the local shops and restaurants a short stroll away.

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The Lugger Inn, Polruan

01726 870567

Just yards from the Polruan foot ferry, this 18th century pub with takeaway service is at the heart of the local community , offering local produce, real ales and fine wines. 4 rooms available.

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Polruan Camping and Caravaning

01726 870263

Single night stay budget pitch up camping. Other camping/accommodation options for longer stays. Short distance from Path.

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Highertown Farm Campsite

Campsite sits 3/4 of a mile from the secluded beach of Lansallos Cove. A simple site with basic facilities where guests can relax and enjoy the beautiful setting without distractions.

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Snowland Caravan Leisure Park

01726 812756

Holiday Caravans, Touring Site, Diner, Launderette, Gym & Bar

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Par Bay B&B

07947 006545

Par Bay B&B is a large house overlooking St Austell bay. The B&B accommodation is on the second floor of the property & has a king size bed. Single Night Stays Welcome

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FOX VALLEY COTTAGES

01726870115

Fox Valley Cottages, beautiful rural holiday cottages just a few miles from Lantivet, Lansallos & Lantic bays. With indoor pool, hot tub & sauna, plus dog & boot wash.

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The Crow's Nest 38

07570295264

The Crow's Nest is a self contained apartment just a few yard from the SW Coast path. A touch of luxury after a day walking.

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The Conifers Self Catering Apartment

07895663417

The Conifers is a self catering flat in Par Duck Pond Nature Reseve, 1.1 miles from the coastal path. It has a galley kitchen, double bedroom and bathroom, garden terrace

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Landaviddy Farm B&B

01503 273302/07528877658

Situated just a 10 minute walk from Polperro and close to beautiful Lansallos & Lantic beaches. 2 ensuite bedrooms, ample parking.

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You'll be spoilt for choice for where to eat and drink along the Path. With lots of local seasonal food on offer, fresh from the farm, field and waters. Try our local ales, ciders, wines and spirits, increasing in variety by the year, as you sit in a cosy pub, fine dining restaurant or chilled café on the beach. The businesses that support the Path, where you've chosen to visit, are listed here.

Flapjackery Fowey

01726 469253

Stop off and treat yourself or stock up for your trip along the Path with these delicious, award winning, gluten free flapjacks in a variety of flavours. Enjoy 10% Discount in store when you show your SWCP Passport. .

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Readymoney Beach Shop

07980311646

Beach shop selling hot/cold drinks, ice-cream, cake, pastries, locally sourced gifts. Open everyday except Xmas Day. Public toilet 24/7

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Rosslyn Café

07590310276

Small café and take away situated in the heart of Lansallos servinging hot and cold drinks, sweet treats and savoury pastries.

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Highlights

Exploring the dunes of Par Sands.

Views of the Path ahead from Polmear to Gribbin Head.

Polkerris.

Gribbin Head with its striking red and white daymark, built by Trinity House in 1832. The 18th century elm wood is carpeted with strong smelling wild garlic in the spring.

Polridmouth: the building behind the second sandy cove was the inspiration for the beach house in Daphne du Maurier’s novel `Rebecca'. Du Maurier lived further up the valley in the Elizabethan house called Menabilly Barton and this is her mysterious ‘Manderley’.

The tiny cove at Coombe Hawne, linked with many smuggling stories, is surrounded by cliffs of ox-eye daisies and pink thrift in the spring and summer months.

The ruins of St Catherine’s Castle standing guard over the entrance to Fowey harbour. Now owned by English Heritage, the castle was built in 1542 by Thomas Treffry as part of Henry VIII's chain of defences along the south Cornish coast. The Victorian gun platform was used in the Second World War.

Readymoney Cove.

Fowey: loved by famous literary figures for its architecture and tranquility, Fowey continues to offer visitors a wealth of character and history, in spite of the occasional ships of china clay.
J.M. Barrie, the author of Peter Pan, described the town as like
“a toy town ... hemmed in so picturesquely by cliffs and ruins that of a moonlight night it might pass for a scene in a theatre.” The church of St Fimbarrus has a Norman font, a clerestory and the tower, thought to be the second tallest in Cornwall, dates from the 1460's. You may also like to visit the Daphne du Maurier Literary Centre in South Street or explore the streets and shops around the harbour.

The beautiful views of the estuary on the foot ferry crossing from Fowey to Polruan.

Views from Pencarrow Head across the sandy cove of Lantic Bay which is backed by wild plants. Views from here also extend to The Lizard and Bolt Head to the east.

Looking down from Raphael Cliff to the natural rock arch at Blackybale Point.

Taking a well-deserved rest in the cafes of Polperro.

Public transport

You can catch a train to Par, from where you can catch buses to Fowey. The easiest way to reach Polperro is to get a train to Looe and then a bus to Polerro. For timetable information, zoom in on the interactive map and click on the train station and bus stop symbols, visit Traveline or phone 0871 200 22 33.

Between Fowey and Polruan ferry you will need to catch the ferry which runs all year round. For more details check our Estuaries and ferries page.

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