Polruan
OS Grid ref:- SX1451
The characterful old fishing village of Polruan is located at the mouth of the River Fowey, lying just across the river from the busy port of Fowey, the village is famed for its boat building heritage.
Polruan's narrow streets cling to the hillside and lead down to the ancient waterfront and quay. The unspoilt village has a number of pubs, including the Lugger Inn which stands on the quayside and the Russell Arms, both serve excelllent food. Polruan also has a cafe, a small shop with a Post Office and one or two other shops selling craft goods. A granite cross is located at the head of the village, which marks the site at which the village well once stood.
A passenger ferry operates between Polruan and nearby Fowey, the journey takes around 5 - 10 minutes
The well preserved block house, which stands on the banks of the River Fowey, was built in the fifteenth century to prevent access to the river and harbour after the invasion of Fowey by the French. Another blockhouse is situated on the Fowey side of the river. A chain was hoisted between them at times of danger to prevent the threat of further invasion.
St Saviours Chapel, which dates from the eighth century, occupies a Polruan Hill which overlooks the village. The chapel was enlarged by Sir Richard Edgcumbe in 1488. Legend relates that St. Ruan, a missionary Bishop from Ireland, was the first to occupy the summit of the hill.
Ferryside was from 1927, the du Maurier family home, from where the famous authoress Daphne du Maurier wrote her first book 'The Loving Spirit' in 1928-9. The house is still occupied by Daphne du Maurier's son.
A walk from Polruan to Lanteglos Church
Distance- Around 3 miles
Duration- Around one and a half hours
*Commencing at the quayside at Polruan, proceed eastwards along the street which runs parallel with the shore until reaching a signed footpath leading to "The Hills".
*Follow the footpath, ascending some steps on the right and climb steeply to take in the excellent views of the River Fowey on your left.
*Continue along the footpath, passing through woodland, upon arriving at a track, turn right for a few yards before following the continuation of the footpath on the left.
* Proceed along this footpath, keeping to the upper path until reaching a road. Turn left, keeping to your right and follow along this path as it climbs steeply down to the head of a stream before reaching the road again.
*Take the turn left along a lane and proceed along the track on the right. Follow this path, which climbs steeply to arrive at Lanteglos-by-Fowey church.
*Retrace your steps to return to Polruan.