Looe - Kilminorth - Polperro; Woods, Coast and Country

Pauline (Dennis) Blackford

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The longer walk starts from Hannafore Point with its scenic view over the famous Looe Island as we walk along the seafront promenade. Approaching the mouth of Looe River, we see more and more of the beaches and then the town. We now have a short section of road before descending steps to the riverside walk along the west side of Looe River while we walk along the promenade overlooking the harbour and fishing-boats. Here, a small diversion may be made across the river by ferry to East Looe and the main town. From the town, you can then use the bridge to re-cross the river and rejoin the walk at the end of the promenade

Following the footpath under the bridge, we go past shops and through a car park to rejoin the riverside and pass into attractive, deciduous woodland. 2km through the woodland we emerge onto the small country lane from Watergate (a small detour is possible through the woods to this waterside hamlet).

We stay on this quiet lane for about 2km, passing farms and views over the Cornish countryside before crossing the Looe - Polperro road. We leave this lane about 500m further along and take a footpath past a caravan site and out across country, with picturesque views over the coast as we drop down into the small cove of Talland Bay. Here we may reward our efforts so far, with refreshments from the small cove cafe before resuming our journey. From the cove, we climb steeply, following quiet tracks and lanes before the steep descent to the thriving village of Polperro. Once we have spent some time exploring this picturesque village and working harbour, we begin our return journey, climbing up again, along narrow paths between quaint cottages, to emerge onto the rugged beauty of the SW Coast Path with its ever-changing views, so have your camera handy. Our return journey then takes us back through Talland Bay and continues for another 5km along the coast path to the start of our walk on the promenade, feeling refreshed and invigorated.

England - South West England - Cornwall - Coast