Bodinnick can be explored through its ferry service, historic paths and distinctive tidal landscape. Hall Walk runs from Bodinnick to Penleath Point; the “Q” memorial stands above the point. Pont Pill flows into the River Fowey directly below it. These landmarks offer three distinct points of focus for your planning: regional connections, the history of the paths and the waterside landscape.
Ferry and regional connection
The Bodinnick Ferry runs continuously during operating hours, with a ferry departing from each side every 10 to 15 minutes. Weather and changes to ferry operations can affect the service. So check the operator’s latest notices before travelling, especially if the crossing is part of your day’s plans. As a car ferry, it connects Bodinnick and Fowey and also serves a regional purpose: connecting the middle and eastern parts of Cornwall. The ferry is therefore both a link between the two places and part of navigating the wider area.
On foot: Hall Walk and coastal views
The Hall Walk footpath runs from Bodinnick to Penleath Point and has existed since at least the 16th century. The “Q” memorial stands above Penleath Point. Another walking route, “Creeks and Coves: Bodinnick, Polruan and Fowey”, passes through wooded creeks and offers coastal views. The features highlighted by each route offer different points of emphasis: Hall Walk is notable for its route and long history, while “Creeks and Coves” is known for its wooded creeks and coastal views. You can choose according to whether you would rather focus on a route’s historical context or the landscape it describes.
Pont Pill and the “Q” memorial
Pont Pill flows into the River Fowey directly below the “Q” memorial. The tidal creek is navigable only at high tide, a condition to bear in mind when planning to go on the water. The connection between the creek, river and memorial gives the waterside landscape a clear geographical context, while the limits on navigation make the state of the tide a specific planning factor.
Houses, church and local history
Ferryside is a whitewashed house with bright-coloured shutters and was Daphne du Maurier’s first home in Cornwall. This connects a specific architectural detail in Bodinnick with the author’s literary history. St John's Bodinnick is one of the smallest churches in Cornwall. The building originally served as the stable of the Old Ferry Inn; in 1947, its owners gave it to the village. In this sequence, its former use and later transfer stand as two distinct stages in the village’s history.
St John's holds an annual Christmas service aboard the Bodinnick Car Ferry, accompanied by a local choir. If you’d like to plan your trip around this event, check the dates in advance. This adds an annual church event aboard the ferry to its regional role as a car ferry.
Refreshments
Refreshments are available at the Old Ferry Inn. Details of what is on offer may change, so it’s a good idea to enquire before your visit.
Discover more destinations: North Tamerton, Saint Neot, Millendreath, Lelant, Sticker, Morval, Constantine, Budock Water
For the main travel overview: Cornwall.
