Discover the hidden gem of Polkerris


Tucked away in St Austell Bay, Polkerris is one of Cornwall’s best-kept secrets. Until recently, few people from outside the area had heard of it but the local residents know it well and it is a very popular venue for a day out.


As a cove with wonderfully soft, glistening sand, sheltered by a harbour wall and the surrounding hills it attracts all ages in equal measure.


Three generations of the same family can be seen enjoying themselves in the mellow surroundings and they may still be there as the sun sets over the bay, bathing the cove in evening light.


Polkerris itself is a small village of just twenty houses or so, plus a renowned pub, the Rashleigh Inn (featured in the Times Online ‘Top 10 pub gardens’), an award- winning watersports centre (Cornwall Tourism Awards 2010), the Polkadot Cafe and a restaurant of exceptional quality: ‘Sams on the Beach’.


The combination of natural features and excellent facilities is unique in this part of Cornwall and Polkerris has grown rapidly in popularity over the last three years.


The Polkerris Beach Company operates the private beach and maintains a high standard, with daily


cleaning and a dog-free environment. Improved parking has reduced access problems.


The beach is also steeped in history: the Polkerris Beach watersports centre is based in an Elizabethan pilchard factory, there is a prominent lime kiln and the fine harbour wall, which has a set of four cannons nonchalantly implanted on their ends and used as bollards.


The layers of history are emphasised by a World War 2 pill box, built atop the lime kiln.


All this makes great exploring territory for the curious and a pleasing backdrop for those who prefer to relax on the beach.


For those equipped with a shrimp net and bucket, the rocks at the end of the beach make a great place to go hunting in the pools left as the tide goes out.


The RYA-accredited watersports centre is a family-run business that takes advantage of the safe beach to offer tuition in sailing and windsurfing, plus rentals of sailing dinghies, windsurfers, sit-on kayaks and wetsuits. The watersports shop stocks a range of wetsuits and all the beach essentials such as buckets-and-spades.


For those with their own canoes or kayaks, Polkerris also makes an


on the Beach The Inn 01726 813306 www.polkerrisbeach.com Watersports centre, beach shop and the Polkadot café Rashleigh Inn The Polkerris • Par • Cornwall • PL24 2TL


Tel: 01726 813991 off the A3082 Fowey - St Austell Road 2 miles from Fowey


www.rashleighinnpolkerris.co.uk


A 300 year old stone built boathouse, became the village pub after the original was washed away in a storm in the early 1900s.


Panoramic sea views from the west facing sun terrace, roaring log fires in the winter.


* A Free House 4-6 Real Ales and 2 Real Ciders * Open all day, everday


* Meals served 12-2pm and 6pm-9pm fresh local fish and seafood our speciality


www.cornish-visitor.co.uk Cornish Visitor Guide - autumn & winter 2011-2012 15


• RYA Recognised Training Centre • Sailing and windsurfing tuition and hire • Sit-on kayak hire • Paddleboards


excellent base for exploring the beautiful rocky shoreline towards Gribbin Head.


With a series of spectacular inlets and caves, tiny islands and sparkling turquoise water enhanced by white pebbles below the surface, it is perfect for a day trip with a picnic.


For the energetic, Polkerris is within easy walking distance of the historic sea-faring town of Fowey.


There are two routes: around the coast path via the prominent red-and-white-striped day mark at Gribbin Head, or the Saints Way, a medieval pathway that cuts across the headland through rolling countryside.


The coast path takes in some of the spots that inspired Daphne du Maurier’s best-known books including ‘Rebecca’, featuring a tiny cottage on the beach which can be found at Polridmouth.


The coast path is a demanding route taking in several steep climbs but the walker is rewarded with spectacular views.


The Saints Way is shorter and easier but no less attractive and, of course, those looking for a more challenging day out can start at either Fowey or Polkerris and complete the whole circuit in around four and a half hours, plus a stop for refreshments at either end.


South view of Polkerris. Polkerris sunset.


Sailing into Polkerris.


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