FOWEY GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Along the High Cliffs of Fowey: a 4.5‑Hour Guided Stretch of the South West Coast Path
A challenging 4.5-hour guided coastal walk from Fowey that covers rugged cliff-top terrain, harbors, literary connections to Daphne du Maurier and finishes with a castle visit.
Along the High Cliffs of Fowey: a 4.5‑Hour Guided Stretch of the South West Coast Path.
This guided walk from Fowey is a demanding 4.5-hour section of the South West Coast Path that climbs and drops over rugged cliff tops, delivers sweeping views across St Austell Bay, threads past tiny harbours and coastal activity, and finishes—time permitting—with a visit to a castle in Fowey. The route highlights both natural drama and literary associations with Daphne du Maurier while guided in a friendly, question‑encouraging style.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Rugged cliff-top walking with big coastal views
This stretch of the National Trail involves significant ascent and descent on rough terrain, offering superb panoramas along St Austell Bay and views toward Gribbin Head as you traverse the headland.
Polkerris: a tiny, activity-filled harbour stop
The walk visits the small harbour at Polkerris, a compact seaside settlement where the path drops to the water and offers a close-up view of everyday coastal activity before climbing again.
Daphne du Maurier’s coastline and a castle finish
The headland is threaded with places that connect to Daphne du Maurier’s writing, and the walk concludes with time permitting to visit a castle in Fowey, tying landscape to literary history.
What the day feels like
What the walk feels like
Expect a brisk, physically engaging outing: a short bus transfer from Fowey to join the Coast Path, then a mix of low cliff-top traverses, stream crossings and steep climbs and descents across rough ground. The guide keeps things conversational and informative, pointing out coastal activity, local history and literary connections as the route unfolds over a roughly six-mile course that takes about four and a half hours.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this walk suits (and who should plan accordingly).
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The guided outing runs approximately 4.5 hours.
Meet at the bus stop on Bottom Hanson Drive in Fowey (PL23). Par is the nearest rail station; buses 24 and 25 run from Par to Fowey and stop near the walk start. Public parking is available at Town Car Park (Hanson Drive), a five-minute walk to the meeting point.
Wear weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear for rough terrain; bring around 1 litre of water, a rucksack or carrier for gear, and a camera or phone for photos.
The tour will run even if only one participant is booked and has a maximum of eight participants. Allow extra time to park if arriving by car.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the walk?
The guided walk runs for approximately 4.5 hours.
How far will we walk?
The full route is about six miles in length, covered during the 4.5-hour outing (time permitting for the castle visit).
Where do we meet?
Meet at the bus stop on Bottom Hanson Drive in Fowey (PL23); public parking is available nearby at the Town Car Park (Hanson Drive), a five-minute walk to the start.
Is transport included?
The price includes a single bus fare from Fowey to Polmear to join the Coast Path.
Are there discounts available?
There is a 10% discount for guests arriving by public transport (use code GOODJOURNEY at checkout and bring proof of travel). PARD CARD holders may use the PARDCARD code and must bring the card to the tour; the PARD discount cannot be combined with other offers.
Will the tour run with only one booking?
Yes—the tour will take place even if only one participant is booked; the maximum group size is eight.