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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Fowey Hall Hotel

01726 833866

Take to the coast and explore the SW Coast Path less than half a mile away. For rest and relaxation, or excitement.

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Landaviddy Farm B&B

01503 273302

Situated just a 10 minute walk from Polperro and close to beautiful Lansallos & Lantic beaches. 2 ensuite bedrooms, ample parking. Cornish cream tea for advanced bookings.

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What is on your list of things to do when you visit the Path? From walking companies, to help you tailor your visit, with itineraries and experts to enhance your visit, to baggage transfer companies and visitor attractions there are lots to people and places to help you decide what you'd like to do. The businesses that support the Path, where you've chosen to visit, are listed here.

Meadow View Guided Hikes

01726 832102

Public scheduled and bespoke single/multi-day guided walks within the South West. Great for single walkers.

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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.

Walk - Par to Polperro