Cornwall

Covington walk in the Fowey estuary

Explore the edge of the bustling harbour town of Fowey on this circular walk with the family. You'll pass some interesting historical sites, such as St Catherine’s Castle and one of Daphne du Maurier’s houses. Take in woodland, beaches, open fields and far-reaching views. It's the perfect place for a walk with plenty of places to stop for a picnic along the way too.

Near to

Lantic Bay

Start point

Readymoney Beach, grid ref SX117511

Address
Covington, near Fowey, Cornwall, PL23 1JH.
Directions via Google Maps
By bus
Buses to Fowey from surrounding towns. Walk from the town centre to Readymoney Beach, which is signposted, or follow coast path signs.
Regular National Express services to St Austell, Lostwithiel and St Blazey.
Regular daily service between Fowey, Par, St Austell and Mevagissey on bus route numbers 24 and 25.
Further information on bus services
Bus route 281 (ERH Roadcar) runs between Polruan, Polperro, Looe and Downderry on Monday–Friday, except Public Holidays.
Fowey Town Bus runs a regular shuttle service from main car park (Hanson Drive) to the church in the town centre. Summer: daily, 10am–7pm. Winter: daily except Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday, 10am–3pm.
Cycling
Fowey is 4 miles from the Par Beach Trail which is a gentle route on a quiet road from Par Beach (close to Par train station) to St Blazey. The trail links to the National Cycle Network Route 3. The remainder of the route to Fowey is along narrow, hilly lanes and a busy A road.
Further information about the cycle network.
By ferry
Daily pedestrian ferry service from Polruan (all year) to Fowey Town Quay/Whitehouse Pier Fowey. A summer and winter service is in operation.
Further information about ferry services.
Daily car ferry service from Bodinnick (all year).
Further information about ferry services.
Public moorings available in Fowey Harbour.
By train
Par train station 4 miles.
Lostwithiel is 6.3 miles.
St Austell train station 9 miles.
Bodmin Parkway train station 16 miles.
Further information about train services.
On foot
Walk from Fowey town centre to Readymoney Beach, which is signposted, or follow the coast path signs.
The South West Coast Path is a long-distance walking route that runs along the Cornwall coast, passing through the ancient fishing village of Polruan and the bustling town of Fowey. A pedestrian ferry provides a link between the two.
The Saint's Way is another long-distance footpath, running for 26 miles between Padstow in the north to Fowey in the south. Footpaths link to public rights of way found on local OS maps (Explorer 107).
By road
Coming on the A38 from Plymouth, bypass Liskeard and after 2 miles turn left at roundabout onto A390. Go through the village of East Taphouse and turn left onto B3359. Travel for approximately 4 miles and turn right signposted Lansallos. Follow signs to Lansallos for 6 miles.
Coming from St Austell take the A3082 towards Fowey.
Park on the edge of Fowey and take the shuttle bus or walk to town.
Total stages: 14
Total stages: 14
Start point
Readymoney Beach, grid ref SX117511
Stage 1
From Readymoney Beach, head past Daphne du Maurier's house on your right and up the hill away from the beach. It is signposted Polkerris via Gribbin.
Stage 2
At the junction, turn back on yourself and keep going up the hill into Covington Woods. Follow the coast path signposted Gribbin 2 miles.
Stage 3
At this point you can make a brief detour to visit St Catherine's Castle and the Rashleigh Mausoleum which will be signposted off the path.
The Rashleigh Mausoleum
The Rashleigh Mausoleum on St Catherine's Point which dates from 1867. Later fortifications made it an ideal defensive site, protecting Fowey harbour. During the Second World War it was the site of the Royal Artillery 384 Coast Battery, comprising gun emplacements, searchlights, Nissen huts and a small parade ground. The history of St Catherine's Point stretches even further back in time. The mound on which the mausoleum sits, and the bank which surrounds it, form the likely remains of a medieval motte and bailey castle, which is supported by the fact that a chapel was recorded here in 1540.
Rashleigh Mausoleum at St Catherine's Point, Fowey | © National Trust Images/George Taylor
Stage 4
Follow the path around to your right and take in the view over the harbour to Polruan, and back over the River Fowey.
Stage 5
Keep going right on the footpath whilst keeping the sea on your left. You should pass a shelter on your right. Take the next middle path.
Stage 6
At the waymarker turn left, and continue through the gate into Allday's Fields.
Stage 7
Keep left and follow the coast. There's lots of room here to play games or have a picnic whilst taking in the views.
Stage 8
As you leave the field go over a stile and drop down the hill to Coombe Haven Beach. This is another perfect picnic spot and an ideal place for a dip in the sea.
Stage 9
From Coombe Haven, turn off the coast path and head inland toward Coombe Farm. Go up through the valley toward the woods.
Stage 10
At the top of the hill, go over the stone stile and head along the track signposted St Catherine's Point.
Coombe farmhouse
Coombe farmhouse which was once a dower house to the Rashleigh estate at Menabilly. Its 18th-century façade conceals a much earlier Elizabethan house. Behind the house are a range of old and new barns. Notice the large range of modern (1980s) wooden barns. In this sensitive spot it was thought that large gable ends would be very intrusive to the landscape, so they adopted 18th-century hipped ends, slicing the roof off at a low angle to help them disappear into the landscape.
Stage 11
Carry on into Allday's Fields, this time taking the path along the top edge. Head straight across the field back towards Fowey, keeping the sea on your right.
Stage 12
Go through the gateway and keep left. At the woods go through the metal kissing gate.
Stage 13
Drop down the hill keeping to the left. At the junction, turn right and follow the sign post to Fowey.
Stage 14
At the fork, go left and head back to Readymoney Beach at Fowey.
End point
Readymoney Beach, grid ref SX117511
Trail map
Trail map for Covington walk, Fowey estuary | © National Trust/Hand Made Maps Ltd
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