The River Fowey

If the Fowey area was a movie then the river would be the leading lady, an Oscar winning A-list star. exceptionally beautiful, full of charisma, always ready to perform and takes you on a journey of adventure.

The Fowey river covers 41,800 acres in total and 92 million galleons of water flow through her everyday. Designated an area of outstanding natural beauty. The Upper part of Fowey Estuary is surrounded by wooded slopes and water meadows mostly owned by the National Trust, with nature reserves, salt marsh and bird sanctuaries on either side. The whole area is teeming with Herons, Wildfowl, Cormorants, and even Kingfishers. The Lower harbour is a bustling boating playground that has inspired writers and artists. With a long history as a trading port there is much to see and do. Neighbouring villages, creeks and backwaters are perfect for exploring. Discovering an isolated beach and soaking up the Cornish sun whilst watching nature at work is one of our personal favourites.

Fowey Town 

Our home base and the mouth of the river. With easy parking, a great selection of cafe’s, bars, national and independent retailers. It is no surprise that this historic harbour town has been named as one of the most desirable places to live by the Sunday Times [ March 2016 ]. 

Polruan 

Directly opposite Fowey is the old fishing village of Polruan. A great first port of call on any of our activities. Quiet in nature with some beautiful landmarks and just a few pubs and shops. 

Polruan is always accessible by the tide and has a floating dock pontoon which makes it very easy to visit.

Pont Creek

Perfect so those with limited time wanting to see the beauty of the lower harbour and how quickly it can turn into a nature reserve. Within a few moments the magical boating playground will turn in to a picture perfect wooded river valley. 1 1/2 miles of perfection leads to Pont, which is thought by many local people to be the inspiration for Mole, Ratty, Toad and Badger's adventures in The Wind in the Willows because author Kenneth Grahame stayed nearby.

Most of Pont pill is only accessible at high water, attention most be paid to tidal conditions before attempting to navigate.

Bodinnick

At the northern end of fowey town on opposite side of the river is the village of Bodinnick. Famous for Daphne du Maurier water side home where she wrote many of her novels. Bodinnick also boasts a 400 year old public house and is the crossing point for the car ferry to fowey.

Bodinnick slipway is only accessible by the permission of the ferry company, on lower tides you can use the beach next to the slipway.

Golant

By far our most popular destination, the encircling route we send you on will you give you the best views of the estuary and a river side pub awaits you on your arrival at the picturesque village. The whole trip including a break can take anywhere between 2-4 hrs depending on conditions and your speed. Perfect for families and groups of all abilities.

Golant is accessible for kayakers and paddle boards at all tides. Boat hires only on incoming tides and return must be no later than 1hr after high water.

Penpol

Penpol Creek is the quietest creek on the river, perfect for bird and nature watching. Directly opposite Golant the creek leads of to the east and is a winding trial which leads up to  Penpol  Bridge the tidal limit. A round trip can take 3-5hrs depending on conditions and your speed.

Penpol is only accessible on incoming tides and you need to depart no more than 30 mins after high water

Lerryn 

A truly gorgeous journey up this creek leads to the gem of a village Lerryn at its head. A contemporary village stores and pub offer a perfect chance for refreshment. There is a lovely village green to bask in what can be a sun trap. A round trip can take 3-5hrs depending on conditions and your speed.

Lerryn is only accessible on incoming tides and you need to depart no more than 30 mins after high water. Boat hires will need the larger spring tides to be able to visit Lerryn.

St Winnow

A small parish with a absolutely stunning landmark church. Seasonal catering is available during the summer months. The journey to St Winnow is sublime and some of the best wildlife cornwall has to offer will be available to see. A round trip can take 3-5hrs depending on conditions and your speed.

St Winnow is only accessible on incoming tides and you need to depart no more than 30 mins after high water. Boat hires will need the larger spring tides to be able to visit.

Lostwithiel 

The ancient capital of Cornwall is now more famous for its foodie scene and antique’s culture. A breathtaking journey only suitable for kayakers due to its distance and tidal constraints. A whole day activity that will take in the entirety of the tidal limits of the river. This trip must only be attempted on the right tidal conditions with our permission. One way hires can be arranged with us for both kayaks and stand paddle boards. Please ring us for details. 

See the map below for an overview of the Fowey Estuary.