Gribbin Head walk
The countryside to the west of Fowey offers a variety of landscapes, including superb views and many features of historical significance. This coastal walk takes you to beaches, coves, woodlands and grassland rich in wild flowers. Famed for its association with the author Daphne du Maurier, and the setting of many of her books, this area offers breathtaking natural beauty.
Map
Start:
National Trust car park at Coombe Farm, grid ref SX110512
1
Leave the National Trust car park and turn right down a wide track waymarked towards Readymoney. Continue through the field gate at the end of the track following the path that bears left and crosses two grass fields. At the opening of the second field, keep to the boundary on the left hand side, towards the metal kissing gate on the edge of Covington woods. Pass through the gate along the edge of the woodland and down the hill. At the bottom of the steps turn right and follow the path towards Fowey
Gribbin Head
A view of Gribbin Head taken from Coombe on a clear, sunny day.
2
At the path junction take the left spur to head towards Readymoney cove or take the right spur to continue up towards St Catherine's Castle. Heading up towards the castle you can take a short diversion on your right up to the Rashleigh Mausoleum. Return to the main path for the castle and to continue the walk.
The Rashleigh Mausoleum
This mausoleum is the final resting place of William and Catherine Rashleigh and their daughter, Edith Stopford Sackville. It was built in 1867, four years before William Rashleigh's death. He chose to live in an Italianate house at Point Neptune instead of his ancestral home at nearby Menabilly.
3
During the summer, Readymoney Cove can be reached by a steep path and steps next to the path for the castle.
Readymoney Cove
The author Daphne du Maurier lived in a house here during 1942-43. The toilets next to the beach, with their distinctive turrets, were previously used as lime kilns. Limestone was heated or burnt in the kilns and spread on the land to condition the soil.
4
Follow the footpath around the edge of the point to rejoin the SW coast path and onto Allday’s field.
St Catherine's Castle
This castle is cared for by English Heritage. It was built between 1538 and 1542 by Henry VIII as a small artillery fort to protect Fowey harbour from the French. Entry is free.
5
Continue along the coast path through Coombe Haven (also know as Coombe Hawne) and on to Polridmouth.
Polridmouth Cove
This cove is thought to be one of the many places that inspired Daphne du Maurier when writing her novel 'Rebecca'. For many years Dame Daphne lived at Menabilly, a large private house and estate that includes Polridmouth. The series of ponds were built as decoys for Fowey harbour during the Second World War.
6
Cross the stream at Polridmouth and follow the path around the cove. Turn left and follow the path over the boardwalks and up the hill to the Gribbin daymark.
The Gribbin daymark
The Gribbin daymark stands 84ft (25.6m) high and was built in 1832 by Trinity House as a navigation aid to prevent mariners from mistaking the shallow waters of St Austell bay for the deeper waters of Falmouth harbour. The daymark is open on Sundays during June, July and August.
7
From the daymark, follow the path back down to Polridmouth. Cross the stream and take the left-hand path up to Coombe Farm. Follow the path around the edge of the fields, leading to a lane. This lane will take you back to Coombe car park.
End:
National Trust car park at Coombe Farm, grid ref SX110512
