FOWEY GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Daphne du Maurier's Coast: a 2.5‑hour guided walk along Fowey's clifftops
A 2.5-hour circular guided walk from Fowey that follows part of the South West Coast Path, passing Polridmouth Cove and a 16th‑century Henry VIII castle — a concise guide to route, sights and kit.
Daphne du Maurier's Coast: a 2.5‑hour guided walk along Fowey's clifftops.
This guided circular walk out of Fowey traces a 2.5-mile route over clifftops and along sections of the South West Coast Path, passing rocky coves and sandy beaches that inspired Daphne du Maurier. In roughly 2.5 hours you’ll take in superb coastal views, local wildlife and a visit to a 16th‑century Henry VIII castle before returning to Fowey via the Esplanade.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Walk in the footsteps of Daphne du Maurier
The route visits multiple locations associated with Daphne du Maurier’s life and works — including Polridmouth Cove, the inspiration for Rebecca's cove — bringing Cornwall’s literary landscape into sharp focus.
Clifftops, coves and wide sea vistas
Expect gently rising clifftops with rocky coves and sandy beaches, superb views along the coastline and opportunities to spot local wildlife, with the Gribbin Head daymark visible for miles.
A compact visit to a 16th‑century castle
The walk returns to Fowey with a visit to the 16th‑century Henry VIII castle, bookending coastal walking with a touch of Tudor history.
What the day feels like
What the walk feels like
Over about 2.5 hours the guide leads a friendly, question‑encouraged circular route that mixes roads within Fowey and part of the South West Coast Path. The walk gently rises over clifftops past coves and beaches, highlights literary connections and wildlife, and returns along the Esplanade with the option to finish in the town centre or back at the start point.
THE LITERATURE
Walk in the footsteps of Daphne du Maurier
The route visits multiple locations associated with Daphne du Maurier’s life and works — including Polridmouth Cove, the inspiration for Rebecca's cove — bringing Cornwall’s literary landscape into sharp focus.
THE VIEWS
Clifftops, coves and wide sea vistas
Expect gently rising clifftops with rocky coves and sandy beaches, superb views along the coastline and opportunities to spot local wildlife, with the Gribbin Head daymark visible for miles.
THE HISTORY
A compact visit to a 16th‑century castle
The walk returns to Fowey with a visit to the 16th‑century Henry VIII castle, bookending coastal walking with a touch of Tudor history.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this guided walk works for — and operational notes.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Clothing to suit the weather; footwear suitable for rough terrain and sloping ground; 1 litre of water; a rucksack or suitable carrier for gear; camera or phone.
Sturdy shoes for uneven, sloping ground and a small daypack to carry water and layers are recommended for the clifftop sections.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the walk?
The guided walk takes approximately 2.5 hours.
Where do we meet?
Meeting point: Hanson Drive PL23 1JL south of the Saffron Close junction; public parking is available in Fowey Main car park (can be busy).
How strenuous is the route?
The route is about 2.5 miles and will gently rise over clifftops with some ascent and descent; expect uneven and sloping ground.
What should I bring with me?
Bring clothing suitable for the weather, footwear for rough terrain and sloping ground, around 1 litre of water, a rucksack or carrier for your gear, and a camera or phone.
What are the group size limits?
The tour will run even if only one person is booked; the maximum group size is eight participants.
Are there discounts or special offers?
There is a 10% discount for guests arriving by public transport (use the GOODJOURNEY code and bring proof of travel) and a PARD CARD discount (use PARDCARD code and bring your card); the event is also Coast Path Friendly, giving £1 back to the Trail.