In Search Of Autumn

Award-winning photographer David Chapman explores Fowey and its surrounding area

- David Chapman

The South Coast Eastern AONB stretches along the south coast between Par Sands in the west, stopping just short of Looe in the east. Inland it follows the River Fowey as far as Lerryn and St Winnow. It includes some famous historical sites – particularly around Fowey where we have two blockhouses and a castle – and Polperro, well-known for its smuggling. It is also an area with an enviable record for attracting writers and is rich in wildlife. Oh, and I nearly forgot, there are one or two worthy viewpoints for getting your camera out of its bag and filling a few memory cards!

THE PRACTICALITIES

Fowey is easily accessible with a large car park, though the hills are steep. Lerryn has a small car park and plenty of opportunities to explore the surrounding countryside. Polperro has a large car park and is easily accessed. Nearby Talland Bay has a smaller car park. The coast between Polperro and Polruan is less easily accessed because the roads are narrow.

Perhaps the best way to get to Polruan in the summer is on the passenger ferry from Fowey but there are car parks at Polruan and Lantic Bay (National Trust).

I am simply going to pick out a few of my favourite spots in this AONB and describe when they are at their best and what to look for.