Tuesday, 3 October 2006
Coastwalk , South West Coast Path
Fowey → Polruan
Distance: 4.27 miles
Ascent: 210 metres
Duration: 1 hour 57 minutes
The Hall Walk
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It's not officially part of the South West Coast Path, but the Hall Walk is a scenic extension to the route along the banks of the Fowey estuary. It also makes an excellent half-day circular walk for couples honeymooning in Fowey.
The hotel we're staying in is on the waterfront so the coastwalk started the minute we stepped onto Fowey's narrow main street. One mile upstream we took the ferry to Bodinnick, then meandered through the woods on the east bank of the river south to Polruan.
At the top of the village - beside the sole remaining wall of St Saviour's chapel - a coastguard records traffic in and out of the Fowey estuary. From here the contrast between the sheltered estuary and open sea is unmistakable. Below this cliff a white wooden cross stands defiantly on rocks that have presumably wrecked many a ship.