Menabilly Barton - Gribbin Head - Polkerris - Fowey
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The walk starts near Menabilly, the country house which inspired Mandalay, the house in Daphne DuMaurier's Rebecca, and her home for many years. But those hoping to catch a glimpse of the property will be disappointed.
However, they will not be disappointed as they pick up the coastal path and climb up through pasture to the National Trust 'Gribbin Daymarker' on Gribbin Head. Erected in 1832, and looking to all the world like a lighthouse, this structure has no light, but serves only as a navigation aid during the hours of daylight. It's worth a visit, but is only open to the public on Sundays.
We continue around Gribbin Head and into St Austell Bay, we are rewarded with views of the Cornish Alps on the skyline in front of us (courtesy of Cornish China Clays), including the distinctive quarry in which the Eden Project sits, invisible from here.
Before leaving the coast near Polkerris, you can climb down into this charming little cove for a drink in the pub. If not, we pick up the Saints Way, a Cornish long distance footpath running around this area, and worth further exploration by long distance walkers. The Saints Way takes us quickly over to Fowey to pick up the coastal path once more. Those who have never visited Fowey are recommended to take the short diversion to the harbour area, before returning to the coast path, where another treat awaits in the form of the view over Fowey and the estuary from St. Katherine's Castle. The castle itself is worth a visit, but after you do, the return along the coast is via some very pretty coves.
The route is on the whole dog-friendly, but a couple of stiles may be awkward, and livestock was present in one area at the time of walking.
England - South West England - Cornwall - Coast
Features
Ancient Monument, Castle, Great Views, Sea, Woodland