Following our astonishingly successful 2007 programme - which saw over 800 people take part in our guided walks and tours - a full programme of themed walks and tours is again being organised by Cornish Riviera Guides for the Daphne du Maurier Festival in Fowey during May.

The Festival Brochure which includes our full walks & tours programme - together with pricing details and a booking form - is now available from local stores or Restormel Borough Council.

To whet the appetite, our programme includes the following - 

  "Down by the River" – Boat Trip and Walk 

See the river from two perspectives. Start today with a full river trip cruising up the river Fowey to arrive at the quayside in Golant. Following a breather to look around, the walk takes you across Golant Downs to Fowey. On the way you will pass old trading routes and a recording studio. 

A stroll around the delightful town of Fowey taking in sites associated with Daphne du Maurier and her novels.

In Daphne’s acclaimed book, Dick Young imagined himself back in time. This fascinating walk follows his footsteps through the countryside around Treesmill & Tywardreath illustrating both the contemporary and the 14^th Century parts of the novel.

"Lights, Camera, Action" Charlestown Walk

The picturesque port of Charlestown has provided the backdrop for many big screen films television and serials - including "The Eagle has Landed" and the more recent Carlton adaptation of "Frenchman’s Creek". This walk explores the history of the village, including how it got its name, as well as its sea faring connections through to its use as a popular film location.

"Saints and Tinners" Luxulyan Valley Walk

The Luxulyan Valley is widely regarded as one of Cornwall’s hidden gems - a beautiful wooded valley rich in industrial heritage as well as featuring Britain’s tallest viaduct/aqueduct. The tour starts by letting the train take the uphill strain to Luxulyan. After a brief tour of the village we take a leisurely walk down the valley back to Par using part of the Saints Way and Velvet Path.

"My Cousin Rachel Walk" with Cream Tea

Your chance to discover the Barton lands that Daphne describes so graphically in the novel, and discover the countryside just as Rachel did while out walking with Philip. To finish the afternoon, enjoy a sumptuous farmhouse cream tea at Coombe Farm.

A monks cell, a silver smelters pleasure house, a virgin peal – a what? Relics of the civil war and we are invited to visit Haye Farm to taste some real scrumpy. Colin and Rita Vincent make it in the traditional way from their own apples.

"Wind in the Willows" River Cruise

A delightful cruise up to the riverside village of Lerryn. Hear tales about the riverbank and the life of Kenneth Grahame. At Lerryn there is time for a short walk to the "Wild Wood" described in Wind in the Willows and maybe even an ice cream or a cream tea (not included in the price). Then cruise back to Fowey on the high tide.

"Kings, Castles and Manors" Walk

Radically changed for 2008, this circular tour will now start at Par station with a train journey to Lostwithiel and a walk around the ancient 'capital' of the Duchy. After a break for lunch, the walking starts in earnest,  passing Restormel Manor and Restormel Castle to reach Lanhydrock House with its magnificent grounds and gardens. After a break, it's downhill all the way to Bodmin Parkway via Respryn Bridge and the 'Station Trail' followed by the return train journey to Par.
NB The tour does not include a tour of the inside of Lanhydrock House

"A Tale of Two Rivers" Walk including farm fayre

A timeless classic, this walk strolls along the ancient wooded riverbanks linking the Lerryn and Fowey, evoking echoes of a byegone age - silent quays and sailing barges, boating parties and 'Wind in the Willows'. Exploring the waterside church hamlet of St. Winnow [Poldark film location, farm museum, Angela du Maurier's gravestone], our farm hosts will treat you to home-cooked fare before we return through the fields and woodlands of the Ethy estate.

"Rum Runners" Coach Tour

Telling the story of 'Jamaica Inn' from the comfort of a coach, we follow the trail of heroine Mary Yellan around Bodmin Moor as she discovers smuggling, wrecking and a dastardly vicar.

This hugely successful tour includes Dozmary Pool, Tintagel & Altarnun as well as a coffee stop at Jamaica Inn and a lunchtime break in the picturesque village of Boscastle (dine out or bring a picnic).

Limited to one coach so book early to avoid disappointment !

An informative guided walk starts by visiting Polridmouth Cove, the setting for the ship wreck scene in Rebecca. The reward for the climb up to Gribben Head is stunning views from the coast path over St Austell Bay and a stop for lunch at the delightful village of Polkerris. This is du Maurier Country!

'Rough Magic' – Bodmin Moor Walk

Experience the unique atmosphere of the misty moor between the infamous inn & Altarnun as we follow ancient trackways to discover many of the locations which inspired Daphne's tale of treachery, dark deeds, smuggling & wrecking.  Rugged tors near the source of the Fowey, wild ponies, lost settlements - to enjoy this walk just bring your imagination!

Enquiries & Booking Arrangements

Du Maurier Themed Walks 
at Other Times

However, if you would like us to arrange a special walk or tour for your group, please email us at crg[at]beguidedby.me.uk

11 Woodland Avenue, Tywardreath, Par
Cornwall, England PL24 2PL

Tel 01726 813 463 ~ Mobile 07770 725 916  

Fax 08700 517 259

email: crg[at]beguidedby.me.uk

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