The Hall Walk, Fowey, Cornwall
We’re all experiencing testing times to say the least at the moment. In early 2020, being outdoors with the fresh air in our lungs seems even more attractive a proposition than normal!
At BCH Camping we know that our customers crave normality, walking, camping and spending time with family and friends. So, we’re going to get you prepped for walking times ahead, and this month we’re bringing you the delights of the Hall Walk, in Cornwall.
The Hall Walk is known as one of the most popular walks in Cornwall. Why? There are many reasons. It could be the fact that it is a coastal walk with spectacular views out to sea, or because it takes you through beautiful woodland and a stunning range of scenery. It may be down to its Tudor heritage, or because it is a circular walk that is accessible to most.
Whatever the reason for loving the Hall Walk, it is a firm favourite with our customers, but for those who have never experienced its delights, let us walk you through it (see what we did there?).
Terrain: Moderate (there are some steep climbs, but there are benches along the way where you can have a rest and admire the views)
There are two ferry crossings that complete the circle
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Distance: 4 miles / 6.4km
Dog friendly? Yes, as long as they are under close control because livestock live in the neighbouring fields
Parking: In Fowey, either at the top car park next to Fowey Hall, or at the Caffa Mill car park at the Bodinnick Ferry terminal
Refreshments: Available at the Old Ferry Inn in Boddinick, the Lugger Inn, Russell Inn and cafes in Polrun, and at many establishments in Fowey.
The Hall Walk offers incredible views over the Fowey estuary. The walk was originally built as an ornamental promenade for Hall Manor in the 13th century. It’s well waymarked and almost entirely free of traffic. There are climbs, descents and unsealed paths to negotiate, and bluebells and wild garlic to see in spring.
Starting at the ferry slipway in Bodinnick, pass the Old Ferry Inn as you walk up the village hill until you reach the narrow footpath on the right, which is signposted ‘Hall Walk’. From here you follow the footpath until you come to the Q memorial above Penleath Point.
The memorial commemorates Sir Arthur Quiller Couch, a famous novelist and scholar known as ‘Q’. He lived in Fowey from 1891 to 1944.
From the Q memorial, the path takes you high along the northern bank of Pont Creek.
When you reach the end of the wooded section, you will pass through the stile and kissing gate to walk along the field fence. After a short time you will take the right hand gate back into the woods.
Be prepared for the path dropping down on the next section of path, which is also rocky. At the junction, take a sharp right, which will make you almost double back on yourself. From here, continue down the path to Pont.
You will reach a small wooden bridge. Cross this and continue up the path past the cottages on your right, and take the first path on your right signed for Polruan.
Follow the path uphill through a gate, and along the top of some fields. Go through another gate into woodland and onto a lower path which will take you to Polruan where the Polruan Passenger ferry runs from the quay to Fowey.
In summer you will arrive at Whitehouse Pier, and during the winter months at Fowey Town Quay. From either landing point in Fowey, turn right and walk along Fore Street to Caffa Mill, where the Bodinnick car ferry can take you back to Bodinnick.
The hamlet of Pont was once a busy quay where barges would unload coal and limestone, and the barges’ crews would frequent Pont Hill Farmhouse inn. “Pont” refers to St Wyllow’s bridge at the top of the creek; the old Cornish word for bridge was Pont.
It's worth taking a diversion to the beautiful St Wyllow church near Pont Pill. The coast path gives amazing views on a clear day as far as the Lizard to the west and to Salcombe in Devon to the east.
You’ll find an extensive footwear range at BCH Camping, and everything you need for backpack travel, including rucksacks and sleeping bags.
Our online shop supplies all of the above ranges, but should you need any human assistance, please just give us a call on 01225 764977.
Remember, the adventure starts with BCH…
At BCH Camping we know that our customers crave normality, walking, camping and spending time with family and friends. So, we’re going to get you prepped for walking times ahead, and this month we’re bringing you the delights of the Hall Walk, in Cornwall.
Whatever the reason for loving the Hall Walk, it is a firm favourite with our customers, but for those who have never experienced its delights, let us walk you through it (see what we did there?).
The Hall Walk – the bits you need to know to plan your walk
Start and finish: BodinnickTerrain: Moderate (there are some steep climbs, but there are benches along the way where you can have a rest and admire the views)
There are two ferry crossings that complete the circle
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Distance: 4 miles / 6.4km
Dog friendly? Yes, as long as they are under close control because livestock live in the neighbouring fields
Parking: In Fowey, either at the top car park next to Fowey Hall, or at the Caffa Mill car park at the Bodinnick Ferry terminal
Refreshments: Available at the Old Ferry Inn in Boddinick, the Lugger Inn, Russell Inn and cafes in Polrun, and at many establishments in Fowey.
The Hall Walk offers incredible views over the Fowey estuary. The walk was originally built as an ornamental promenade for Hall Manor in the 13th century. It’s well waymarked and almost entirely free of traffic. There are climbs, descents and unsealed paths to negotiate, and bluebells and wild garlic to see in spring.
Hall Walk route starting at Bodinnick
From the Q memorial, the path takes you high along the northern bank of Pont Creek.
Be prepared for the path dropping down on the next section of path, which is also rocky. At the junction, take a sharp right, which will make you almost double back on yourself. From here, continue down the path to Pont.
You will reach a small wooden bridge. Cross this and continue up the path past the cottages on your right, and take the first path on your right signed for Polruan.
Follow the path uphill through a gate, and along the top of some fields. Go through another gate into woodland and onto a lower path which will take you to Polruan where the Polruan Passenger ferry runs from the quay to Fowey.
Highlights of Hall Walk
The house at the bottom of the hill at the start of the walk was Daphne Du Maurier’s first Cornish home. A former shipbuilding yard, her parents bought the house, called Ferryside, as a holiday home, and Du Maurier wrote her first novel, The Loving Spirit, here.The hamlet of Pont was once a busy quay where barges would unload coal and limestone, and the barges’ crews would frequent Pont Hill Farmhouse inn. “Pont” refers to St Wyllow’s bridge at the top of the creek; the old Cornish word for bridge was Pont.
BCH Camping supply clothing, footwear and equipment online
BCH Camping supply all the kit you need for a hassle free walk like this one, or for more challenging hikes in our wonderful countryside. A British walk wouldn’t be the same without showers, but fear not, we supply waterproof clothing including jackets and over-trousers. We also supply all the usual clothing items such as fleeces, trousers and jackets.You’ll find an extensive footwear range at BCH Camping, and everything you need for backpack travel, including rucksacks and sleeping bags.
Our online shop supplies all of the above ranges, but should you need any human assistance, please just give us a call on 01225 764977.
Remember, the adventure starts with BCH…
