Fowey
OS Grid ref:- SX126516
The town of Fowey, pronounced 'Foy', lies on the Cornish Riviera between Looe and Mevagissey and occupies a hillside above the Fowey estuary. The Elizabethan sea-dogs, Drake, Frobisher and Sir Walter Raleigh once sailed from its characterful old harbour.
The Fowey estuary is designated an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, much of the surrounding woodland and countryside is owned by the National Trust.
The town has a superb sandy beach at Readymoney Cove, with ample parking and lifeguards in season. Dogs are allowed only from Easter- October.
St. Catherine's Castle, which is in walking distance of the cove, is a small artillery fort which was constructed in 1536 by 'England's Bluebeard', King Henry VIII to defend Fowey harbour agaist French invasion. The castle has two storeys with gun ports at ground level. The remains of the castle overlook the estuary and can be accessed via a short path from the beach. The castle is now owned by English Heritage, entrance is free.
Fowey offers a wide range of accomodation to suit all budgets, restaurants, cafes, shops and art galleries. Place House, a 13th century manor house in the town has for centuries been in the possession of the Treffry family. The Fowey Museum, a small but interesting museum situated in the oldest part of the town, is housed in the town hall and hosts displays on Fowey's maritime history.
At either side of the harbour entrance are the ruins of the 13th century blockhouses, built as a defence to bar entry to the harbour via a chain.
The Fowey to Mevagissey Ferry links the two ports between May and September inclusive. This offers a fun, fast sea crossing for passengers only and a chance to enjoy one of the most beautiful parts of Cornwall's coastline from the water at a modest cost.
St. Fimbarrus Church, which dates back to medieval times is dedicated to the sixth century St. Fimbarr, who stayed in Fowey. Next to the church stands the Daphne du Maurier Literary Centre, containing information on the author, how she came to Cornwall and and her connections to Fowey. There is also a short video that can be watched at any time showing areas of interest and enhanced history. (Open daily 9.30am to 5.00pm).
An interesting Iron Age Fort, Castle Dore, dating from between between the 1st centuries BC and the 5th Century AD, lies nearby. The earthwork, which measures 225 feet in diameter, has twin defences, each consists of a bank about 8 feet high with a deep outer ditch. Excavations have revealed a stone guard house by the inner entrance. The hall is believed to have been built by King Mark of Cornwall.
A mile and a half from Castle Dore, stands a stone pillar on which is carved the Latin inscription 'Drustans Hic lacit/Cunomori Filius' (Here lies Drustan son of Commorus) Commorus has been identified as Mark of Cornwall and Drustan as the Tristram of in Arthurian legend. The stone did not always stand in its present position but lay nearby, the exact position has unfortunately gone unrecorded.
Walks from Fowey
The Saint's Way
An ancient 26 mile (42km) track across Cornwall, known as the Saint's Way, commences at Padstow harbour and continues to Fowey. The track was originally used by Bronze and Iron Age traders. In the centuries which followed, Celtic Christians traversed the path, erecting granite crosses along the route.