Fowloo one

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For people who are happy with the ascent this should be a 5 star route, but there are some issues with accuracy/access and overgrown fields on this route.

Use Fowloo Three instead. It's very similar, but easier to follow and removes a couple of issues.

This is a tough route but with its rewards. It is very steep in many places, has lots of steps with over 100 in one flight! However the views are stunning. Mostly the route follows the coast path a National Trail so navigation is relatively easy. However it does leave this trail in two or three places to avoid unnecessary descents and climbs and walks around narrow peninsulas. These paths are on the landward side of the coast path and care is needed in finding them. There are a variety refreshment opportunities at Polperro and a cafe at Talland.

While this scores full marks for scenery it's a tough schlep for even an experienced walker and in my mind isn't ideal for the Slow Ways network, which predominantly is a means of getting from A to B.

Often very narrow and rocky underfoot, it's unrelenting and fatiguing. You are advised to pack very light as you will become acutely aware of every gram of weight you are carrying, and wear good footwear.

Note that the short foot ferry from Polruan to Fowey is £2.50 for an adult single which didn't endear me to this route any more than the previous 11 miles did.

I can't help but think this needs an alternative route, but I feel it would require some local knowledge.

One of the most incredible stretches on the South West Coast Path. A ferry connects you from Fowey to Polruan (both with plenty of shops/cafes/places to stay) and then you instantly hit the pretty unrelenting gradients all the way along this stretch. You'll also find food and water at Polperro (endless shops, cafes) and Talland (at most, two). Looe is huge and has great bus/train connections.

It's flatter between Polperro and Looe, but the other half is demanding on the calves! Utterly worth it though. There's an optional descent to Lantic Bay, a beautiful sandy south-facing beach, a mile or two east of Polruan. Otherwise beaches at Lanteglos (with smugglers' cart tracks still visible!) and Talland are nearer the route and gorgeous.

The wildlife is incredible along this stretch: seals and dolphins, kestrels and skylarks, lots of wild flowers.

You pass through gates and over stiles quite often, and there are livestock (cows, horses, sheep) rotating some of the fields here. There are also a few moments where the cliff is really close to the path, so be careful with dogs.

A couple of times we've seen a few considerate hikers stealth-camping along the route on some more sheltered inlets. Same rules as the rest of the country on this, but it's all very remote and lovely.

No matter your fitness level, leave a day for this one. If you've energy and time to spare, the beaches can eat up the rest of your day.

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