| River Fowey | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Bodmin Moor |
| Mouth | Fowey estuary |
| Source elevation | 298 m (980 ft) |
The River Fowey is a river in Cornwall, United Kingdom.
It rises about 1-mile (1.6 km) north-west of Brown Willy on Bodmin Moor, passes Lanhydrock House, Restormel Castle and Lostwithiel, then broadens at Milltown before joining the English Channel at Fowey. It is only navigable by larger craft for the last 7 miles (11 km). There is a ferry between Fowey and Bodinnick. The first road crossing going upstream is in Lostwithiel. The river has seven tributaries, the largest being the River Lerryn. The section of the Fowey Valley between Doublebois and Bodmin Parkway railway station is known as the Glynn Valley (from Glynn House, Cardinham). The valley is the route of both the A38 trunk road and the railway line (built by the Cornwall Railway in 1859). The railway line is carried on eight stone viaducts along this stretch (see Cornwall Railway viaducts).
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Uses of the River Fowey
Sailing
The River Fowey is famous for its sailing because of its natural harbour. In the past it has been visited by up to 7,000 yachts in one season.
Kayaking and canoeing
Almost all sections of the river have been paddled by kayakers and canoeists: the whitewater sections high up on the moor, all the way down to the estuary.
Fishing
Many fish can be caught in the River Fowey so many fishermen come to enjoy the excellent fishing conditions.
Hiking
The river has very pleasant sites and special paths made for hiking and walking along the banks and in the countryside surrounding the towns.
Tourism
The Fowey valley is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty so many hikers, holidaymakers and tourists visit the places of interest and eat freshly caught fish.
Golitha Falls
Golitha Falls are a set of waterfalls located to the north of Bodmin Moor. There is a 1-3-mile (4.8 km) riverside walk, from the visitor car park. The crux of the falls require careful footing, over steep sided banks. [1]
Etymology
The name is pronounced Goleetha, derived from the word for obstruction in Cornish. [1]
Transport on the river
Ferry services
Fowey to Polruan Passenger and Cycle Ferry. The summer service runs 1 May - 30 September from Whitehouse Slip until 1815 hrs. From 1830 hrs the service operates from Town Quay until 2300 hrs. Continuous service from 0715 hrs Monday - Saturday and 0900 hrs on Sunday. Please check notice board for further information during August. Winter service runs 1 October - 30 April leaving Town Quay. Monday - Saturday 0715 hrs until 1900 hrs continuous service. Sundays 1000 hrs until 1700 hrs continuous service. Ferry services are subject to weather conditions.
Fowey to Bodinnick Vehicle Ferry. The summer service operates 1 April - 31 October, starting at 0700 hrs Monday - Saturday and 0800 hrs on Sunday and running until 1900 hrs. The winter service operates 1 November - 31 March , and runs until 2045 hrs or dusk (whichever comes first). The service starts 0700 hrs Monday - Friday, 0800 hrs on Saturday and 0900 hrs on Sunday. N.B. Ferry services are subject to weather conditions.
Fowey to Mevagissey Passenger Ferry is a timetabled summer service between Fowey and Mevagissey leaving Whitehouse Slip. Journey time is around 40 minutes, please see leaflet or notice board for sailings. An alternative route to The Lost Gardens of Heligan, finishing the journey by foot or taxi. This service is dependent on weather conditions.
Hire of kayaks, canoes and boats
Kayak / Canoe Hire
- Encounter Cornwall, Lerryn
Boat Hire
- Fowey Boatyard
- Fowey Diving Services
- Fowey River Boat Hire
References
This entry is from Wikipedia, the leading user-contributed encyclopedia. It may not have been reviewed by professional editors (see full disclaimer)
