Saturday – Day 3 of Arnie’s Adventures in Fowey

Day 3 dawns and the hottest so far. 17 deg C forecast. We decide to follow Arnie’s notes almost to the letter. 

The Hall walk in reverse. We walk down to take the ferry at 8.45 from where the signs, to Polruan ferry point direct us. However no ferries around. We check the Polruan presence on-line. Incredibly there is a website for this service. After much searching and debating with a locally raised cyclist (also hoping to take the ferry), we realise that at this time on  Saturdays our ferry departs from the main quay- to which we relocate.
A 5 minute and very picturesque trip takes us over the river. A healthy stomp up the hill and we are still no clearer as to where the Hall walk starts. After consulting with a helpful and friendly local, we eventually find a trail and a sign.

It is tough walk mainly up hill through leafy, overgrown paths. We lose our way a few times but this allows us beautiful glimpses of the River Fowey. We take the off-route option of the Lanteglos Church. It is a lovely building – with finely carved pews, a deceptive large interior and located an a wonderfully peaceful churchyard. 

Another 20 minutes and we reach Pont – allowing a crossing to the other bank. There are 2 choices of trail back to Bodinnick. We pick the shorter one which should take us past Hall Farm.  A tough walk uphill through fields of cows and calves all eyeing us suspiciously as we go past them Karen at this point is almost in the hedge. Having read somewhere about the number of walkers killed each year by cattle, she’s taking no chances! Ever the hero, I walk determinedly ‘cow-side’ with my rucksack at the ready to swipe quick left should any bovine come too close!  We reach Bodinnick and treat ourselves to a well-deserved coffee at the hotel that overlooks the blue Du Maurier house. A quick 5 minute ferry ride to the other side and an easy walk back into Fowey. It was a 6 mile walk – so think we must have done a circuitous route!

We decide to take lunch (more delicious crab sandwiches) by the quay and then visit the art shop where Karen had spotted a wonderfully quirky 3 D painting with model figures (2 people on a Vespa in Italy)  which we bought. 

PM – and we follow instructions ! We reach the Jamaica Inn and have a quick look round and then on to Tintagel Castle. We think this was probably the highlight of our trip. A tough climb up to the high points (my fitbit showed 169 floors by the end of the day) showed some stunning views of the sea, the sheer drops and coves and beaches below. The place had a great feel about it – and Karen was particularly bowled over by the whole experience.

A trip back to Fowey for some Cornish beer, New Zealand wine and locally made fish pie from the Heligan artisan shop. A great day – thanks Arnie!!