oschinanet

Friday, June 30, 2023

[New post] Fowey, Cornwall – Photography and a Stroll

Site logo image Neal Atherton French Travel Book Writer posted: " Polruan ferry arrives at Fowey Harbour It had been some 35 years since our last visit to Fowey, the small port town at the mouth of the Fowey River on the south Cornish coast. The day before we had been disappointed by a return visit to Looe just al" French Travel Books - France, Paris, Provence & French Food & Wine

Fowey, Cornwall – Photography and a Stroll

Neal Atherton French Travel Book Writer

Jun 30

Please enjoy my Travel books - LINK TO YOUR COUNTRY : https://bit.ly/bookneal

Alt="Polruan Ferry arrives at Fowey Harbour Cornwall"
Polruan ferry arrives at Fowey Harbour

It had been some 35 years since our last visit to Fowey, the small port town at the mouth of the Fowey River on the south Cornish coast. The day before we had been disappointed by a return visit to Looe just along the coast. Looe appeared shabby and uninviting; the cafes and shops did not tempt you inside. It did not appear to be making the best of its stunning location which was a shame. So has Fowey fared any better in the intervening years? We were a little apprehensive that we may be making another somewhat wasted journey. Fowey had indeed fared well, and this town was making the most of an even more stunning location.

Parking the car at the top of the town is easy and the charges reasonable. They have kindly put the disabled spaces close to the car park entrance. However, the walk down to the town is a fair distance and all steeply downhill with plenty of steps to add to the degree of difficulty. Anyone with mobility issues would need to be dropped off by the harbour before parking the car. The walk back to the car park will remove any calories gained from a Cornish cream tea.

It becomes clear as you reach the town centre and harbour area that Fowey hosts many fine, attractive independent shops. It may take some time to reach the river front. One of the first shops that catches your eye is 'Any Old Lights'. The name is actually self-explanatory. It is a shop that has an eclectic display of vintage and retro old lights: Wall lights, ceiling lights, tripod lights, theatre lights, maritime pieces, clocks and more. An interesting start to the visit.

Just across the lane a little down the hill is a super antique shop featuring mainly jewellery. Anne Evans Jewellery is quite a treasure trove, and her prices are reasonable. We bought a beautiful silver heart shaped pendant for our granddaughter which she was delighted to receive. We could spent some time in here. But, we are really here for the views, especially if you enjoy your photography, so time to wind your way down to the harbour.

We resist the many other shops along the way and bypass the Fowey aquarium, turning the corner to enjoy the extensive view across the river to Polruan. The ferry to the ancient fishing village of Polruan leaves on an almost continual loop during the day and is very popular. It is fascinating to spend a few minutes watching the ferry thread its way across the river mouth, slipping between all the moored vessels and avoiding the craft of varying sizes moving up and down the river. From the harbour you can hire a boat for self-driving and also you notice that it is possible to paddle board in the river. Fowey river entrance is one of the most attractive riverscapes in the country.

Alt="Fowey river Cornwall looking upstream across the boats and yachts"
From Fowey Harbour across to the Fowey River looking upstream

Going between the enticing watering holes on the harbour square to the riverside you are confronted with a most disconcerting sculpture of a huge, menacing rook. If you have seen the Alfred Hitchcock adaptation of the book 'The Birds' starring Tippi Hendren (always thought that a wonderful name) you will easily sense the fear that this statue evokes in you. I watched this as a teenager, and it certainly put me off getting a budgie. Fowey is proud of its association with the writer Daphne Du Maurier and this sculpture commemorates the writer and one of her most enduring creations.

Alt="Daphne du Maurier sculpture The Birds Fowey Cornwall"
The Birds sculpture at Fowey Cornwall - Commemorating Daphne du Maurier

To the right of the sculpture is an angled plaque that informs of the role that the harbour at Fowey played prior to the D-Day landings on June 6th 1944. If you are somewhat unfamiliar with the events of that 'Longest Day' then you will be surprised at the extent of the role that many smaller towns and villages on the South coast played in the invasion. Fowey was one such town and as you travel the coastline of the region you will find similar commemorations of that day. Fowey was an important port for the loading of ammunition and also billeted hundreds of American troops prior to their departure and uncertain future. A poignant pause before you carry on your stroll around this delightful town.

Alt="D Day commemorative plaque on the harbourside Fowey Cornwall"
D Day commemorative plaque at Fowey Cornwall

Moving farther right and down on the water below the quay was a beautiful wooden steam boat called Hilda. This example is not a particular old one, around forty years old, but what a beauty it is. Cornwall is home to some fine steamboats and a county that displays on summer rallies the finest ones from around the country. An evocative sight especially in such a setting as Fowey harbour.

Alt="Steamboat Hilda Fowey Cornwall"
Steamboat Hilda at Fowey Cornwall

Going back to the square the landing stages for the boat trips and Polruan ferry are continually busy. There is a steady stream of craft coming and going from the harbour steps. Many of the participants do not appear to have much marine experience but that is no obstacle to enjoying a safe trip on the river. Alternatively, just take one of the many seats around the harbourside, get an ice cream, and settle down to drink in the atmosphere. It is quite soporific.

The route out from the harbour forces you past more lovely independent shops as you work your way down Fore Street, but not before enjoying a pasty at the Cornish Bakery. They are so, so good. Around the harbour and along Fore Street there are some tempting choices for a lunch or evening meal at varying price points. A pasty might be just for you but there is a fine choice of restaurants and cafes to explore.

A shop that stands out on Fore Street, well two shops, are the branches of Brocante giftware. We made several purchases from this interestingly stocked shop, a tasteful range of homewares and gifts. Just the place to refresh your home and remind you of you visit to Cornwall. Fowey has several such shops and they will tempt you in, believe me. Certainly, they will tempt your wife or daughter (or granddaughter).  

At the end of Fore Street you turn right to see the landing stage that has a distinguished history. Here is another plaque and this one commemorated the day in 1846 that Queen Victoria and Prince Albert disembarked and stepped onto the harbourside to begin a visit to Fowey. No doubt that day was a sight to behold as the mouth of the Fowey River would have been filled with craft of every shape and size, the town colourfully festooned with bunting and flags. A day still thought of as a highlight in the history of Fowey.

The visit of Queen Victoria and her consort

The town also is a fine advert for Cornish produce. You will not starve here nor go thirsty. The Deli is well stocked with quality foods and if you just need an evening drink later then Cornish gin is also there for your pleasure. Take a tasting first.

Fowey is a must see town in Cornwall, it is not too busy despite its beauty and attractions, and the photographer in you will be spoilt for choice of scenes.

Fore Street Fowey

Now for that hill.

Alt="Photo covers of the French travel guide books non-fiction on Kindle Unlimited"
All French Travel Books available on Amazon for Kindle Unlimited
alt="New French Travel Guide Book Off the Autoroute"
OUT NOW on Amazon for Kindle, Kindle Unlimited, paperback & hardback
Comment
Like
Tip icon image You can also reply to this email to leave a comment.

Unsubscribe to no longer receive posts from French Travel Books - France, Paris, Provence & French Food & Wine.
Change your email settings at manage subscriptions.

Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser:
http://nealatherton.com/2023/06/30/fowey-cornwall-photography-french-travel-guide-books/

WordPress.com and Jetpack Logos

Get the Jetpack app to use Reader anywhere, anytime

Follow your favorite sites, save posts to read later, and get real-time notifications for likes and comments.

Download Jetpack on Google Play Download Jetpack from the App Store
WordPress.com on Twitter WordPress.com on Facebook WordPress.com on Instagram WordPress.com on YouTube
WordPress.com Logo and Wordmark title=

Learn how to build your website with our video tutorials on YouTube.


Automattic, Inc. - 60 29th St. #343, San Francisco, CA 94110  

at June 30, 2023
Email ThisBlogThis!Share to XShare to FacebookShare to Pinterest

No comments:

Post a Comment

Newer Post Older Post Home
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)

[New post] All or Nothing

...

  • [New post] Vaccination push for Saskatchewan Métis citizens
    Daniel Labbe posted: "In efforts to increase the vaccination uptake amongst the Métis community in Saskatchewan, an initiat...
  • [New post] Junior hockey: Rockets fall to Winterhawks, Silverbacks storm past Centennials
    Daniel Labbe posted: " Portland 5, Kelowna 4 (SO)Fans got their money's worth on Friday night, but not a hometown win.J...
  • [New post] Situation in Ontario hospitals expected to worsen amid Omicron as doctors isolate, admissions rise
    Daniel Labbe posted: "The pressure on Ontario's hospitals is expected to worsen in the coming weeks as more staff are f...

Search This Blog

  • Home

About Me

oschinanet
View my complete profile

Report Abuse

Labels

  • 【ANDROID STUDIO】Displaying Toast Message With ViewModel and LiveData Room Data Persistence Library
  • 【ANDROID STUDIO】Life Cycle Scope
  • 【ANDROID STUDIO】Live Data Builder
  • 【GAMEMAKER】homeing missle shots
  • 【GAMEMAKER】Slot Machine
  • 【JavaScript html 】implements random QR code verification
  • 【JavaScript html 】sliding verification
  • 【JAVASCRIPT】automatic lock screen function with local storage
  • 【JAVASCRIPT】Mask or clip the image on canvas and move it
  • 【JAVASCRIPT】Read CSV file with File API
  • 【PYTHON】Read and Write into text
  • 【Visual Studio Visual Csharp】Ping
  • 【Visual Studio Visual Csharp】Print
  • 【Visual Studio Visual Csharp】Safe Mode Detection
  • 【Visual Studio Visual VB net】Ease of Access Center
  • 【Visual Studio Visual VB net】Orginize IE Favourites
  • 【Visual Studio Visual VB net】Unplug Eject Hardware
  • 【VUEJS】simple shopping cart

Blog Archive

  • September 2023 (1221)
  • August 2023 (1235)
  • July 2023 (1282)
  • June 2023 (1219)
  • May 2023 (1224)
  • April 2023 (1306)
  • March 2023 (1129)
  • February 2023 (1126)
  • January 2023 (1541)
  • December 2022 (1480)
  • November 2022 (1293)
  • October 2022 (1275)
  • September 2022 (1165)
  • August 2022 (1278)
  • July 2022 (1400)
  • June 2022 (1264)
  • May 2022 (1218)
  • April 2022 (1186)
  • March 2022 (1138)
  • February 2022 (964)
  • January 2022 (1162)
  • December 2021 (1709)
  • November 2021 (3135)
  • October 2021 (3259)
  • September 2021 (3140)
  • August 2021 (3243)
  • July 2021 (3255)
  • June 2021 (3144)
  • May 2021 (761)
  • April 2021 (17)
Simple theme. Powered by Blogger.