We’ve been to Fowey before, but parked in the main car park at the top of the hill which can be a bit of a schlep. On this visit we had arranged to meet up with the Aussie family at Readymoney Cove so parked in that car park and walked down a pathway known as the ‘Parade’ to the beach. A much gentler stroll.
Though I was persuaded to hike up the hill through Covington Wood to visit St Catherine’s castle on the headland which kind of negated the gain. The gun tower was built between 1538-40 by Thomas Treffey as part of Henry VIII’s national defence programme and during WWII there was a gun emplacement here protecting the harbour area.
The climb does reward you with panoramic views.
This odd looking structure below was formerly a lime kiln which was converted in 1935 to commemorate the silver jubilee of King George V. It is now a shelter with toilets and a small shop underneath and a lawned area above with benches where you can sit and admire the views.
The cove was used as a watering hole for shipping and in the 18th century there were fish cellars and later shipbuilding and ship breaking on the beach and is a waypoint on the Saints Way, a 47km/29 mile walk between Padstow on the north coast and Fowey that follows the traditional route of early missionaries.
Readymoney cottage (below) was home to Daphne du Maurier and her three children from 1942 until the end of 1943 before she moved into Menabilly, a grander house she had known for years and which is reputedly one of the inspirations for Manderley, the atmospheric but doom-laden house and estate in Rebecca.
After spending an hour or two skimming stones and paddling we all took the fairly level walk along the Esplanade into the town with views across the harbour to Polruan and a very pretty riverside garden.
The Aussies took the ferry across to Polruan as a certain small person had been promised a ferry ride whilst I took a short walk around with the camera.
Fowey is a small port town dating back to 1300 with a fascinating maritime history and gorgeous medieval and Georgian buildings. It is in a conservation area and has quaint narrow and winding streets. The main Fore Street is a vibrant hub of independent shops selling arty knick-knacks and there are plenty of great places to eat.
Fowey harbour has been a trading place since the Bronze Age and during the Medieval period was the most important port in Cornwall trading with France, Spain and Portugal.
If you like a walk, long or short, then please visit Jo for her regular strolls in the UK and the Algarve and maybe you would like to join in too. She’s very welcoming.
Cornwall in Colours 
Another glorious day for a walk, Jude. I would have taken the ferry ride with the little one. It looks like fun. And I’m glad you were cajoled into walking up to the castle. The views are divine.
The ferry ride was very short and to the other side of the river where there isn’t really anything to look at so I preferred to wander around Fowey instead. The castle walk was fine, other than an uneven path through the wood. As you say, the views were worth the effort 🙂
You’ve convinced me. I’ll go with you!
😀
Impossible not to stop for a post about a place called Readymoney Cove. And it looks quite nice actually. (That’s the condescending Aussie beaches are so much better than English beaches bit.) I do like a wander and this one had a bit of everything really. Thanks for letting me catch up and tag along.
Sigh… you don’t need to remind me of Aussie beaches, but I think Cornwall comes close. Much bigger beaches on the north coast 🙂
Being a southern girl, I’m more attracted to the Shipwreck Coast standard of beach rather than the Whitsundays type so Cornwall beaches are actually my kind of beach anyway. Brighton on the other hand…. Let’s not go there. Verbally or physically.
Haha… no indeed, those pebbly beaches do nothing for me either.
I really enjoyed this Jude, I’ve been to Fowey many years ago, but it isn’t an area I know. Nice shots with lots of variety and the collage is fab!
I had heard about this place, but didn’t realise how close to the town it was. A much easier walk than parking in the main car park, though there is a shuttle bus to and from that one.
Even though you have given a reasonable explanation for the name Readymoney, I like to think it was an invitation to smugglers. Come in here for ready money!
Could be 🙂
Magnificent views. In fact the whole walk was very varied, plenty of things to look at. Hope the new shoes help.
I hope so too PP.
Thanks for taking us along on your walk! Lovely! 🙂
A pleasure to have you along 🙂
What a beautiful little spot Jude! I enjoyed every step of your walk this week! You’ve captured the ambience perfectly
Thank you Tina, it was a lovely way to spend a day with the family, even if the little shop by the beach had sold out of pasties!