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River Fowey

The Fowey Estuary on the River Fowey

The windswept tors of Bodmin Moor frame the source of this romantic river. Flowing westwards along the Glynn Valley, the Fowey then turns south through the ancient capital of Lostwithiel and into a large estuary between the historic towns of Fowey and Polruan.

The estuary is a natural harbour and a favourite with yachtsmen. Fowey is a major port, attracting ships of all sizes which must then negotiate the bends of the estuary. The river's upper reaches meander past some of Cornwall's most lauded attractions including Lanhydrock House, but sadly only the last seven miles of the Fowey are navigable.

Iron-age man lived here, the Romans used the pre-existing port and Drake, Raleigh and Frobisher all set sail from Fowey. These days, both the town and the river are magnets for tourists, especially in the summer months when holidaying families transform the quaint Cornish scene. However, up on Bodmin Moor and away from the seaside bustle, the Fowey flows undisturbed through a rugged landscape and anglers fish for salmon and trout as they have for centuries.