A point to point walk from Fowey along the South West Coastal path passing Readymoney Cove and Gribbin Head Daymarker. Then finishing the walk at Polkerris in Cornwall.

Leave the pretty harbourside streets of Fowey and follow signs to Readymoney Cove, a sheltered beach that makes a natural start to this compact but rewarding stretch of the South West Coast Path. Climb above the cove to the 16th‑century St Catherine’s Castle, a small Tudor fort guarding the estuary entrance, and enjoy wide views back over the town and upriver.

From here the path undulates west along low cliffs, waymarked by the acorn symbol. It soon descends to Polridmouth (pronounced “Pridmouth”), a pair of quiet shingle coves backed by a lagoon and the Menabilly estate, once home to Daphne du Maurier. This is a good spot to pause, skim stones, or watch seabirds fishing in the bay. Continue on a steeper climb to Gribbin Head, crowned by the striking red‑and‑white daymark tower that helps guide shipping into St Austell Bay. On a clear day, the panorama reaches from the Dodman in the west to the Eddystone light offshore, with Fowey’s deep estuary framed behind you.

Beyond the daymark the character softens, the path rolling over grassy cliff tops before descending through scrub and woodland towards Polkerris. The final section curves down into Polkerris a tiny, sheltered harbour village, its arc of sand protected by a stone pier. Dip your toes, grab an ice cream or a pint at The Rashleigh Inn or Sams On The Beach, and watch paddleboarders drifting across the calm water.

Practicalities: The distance is roughly 4 miles (6–6.5 km) and most walkers take about two hours, allowing extra time for castle and daymark detours. Graded moderate, the route includes several short but steep climbs and flights of steps, so sturdy footwear helps. The official path is not tide‑dependent, but beach shortcuts are. Waymarking is generally clear; carry a map or GPX if visibility is poor, and keep dogs on leads near livestock and cliff edges.