Fowey Harbour Anchorage Guide
Also known as: Fowey estuary, Fowey Roads, River Fowey anchorage
Fowey (pronounced 'Foy') is one of Cornwall's most characterful harbours — a deep, narrow estuary flanked by steep wooded slopes and the historic town of Fowey on the west bank and Polruan on the east. China clay from the Cornish hinterland has been shipped from Fowey since the 19th century, and large commercial vessels still use the port, creating a fascinating working harbour alongside the busy pleasure craft scene. The town was home to the novelist Daphne du Maurier and Q (Arthur Quiller-Couch); the literary connections are celebrated throughout. Fowey Gallants Sailing Club organises the annual regatta. Excellent provisions, restaurants, and the best fish and chips in Cornwall at the quayside. The harbour entrance is straightforward with no bar.
Quick Reference
GPS
50°20.1'N 004°38.1'W
Depth (CD)
5–12m
Bottom
mud, sand
Holding
GoodProtected From
N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W
Exposed To
NW
Best Months
May, June, July, August, September
Fee
Harbour dues approx £10–15/night for anchored vessels (2025). Contact Fowey Harbour Commission on VHF Ch 12.
Permit
No
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
95m radius for the Fowey Roads anchorage in a 4.5m tidal range. Actual depths at HW reach 9.5–14.5m in the primary zone — ensure minimum 7:1 scope (66–101m of rode at HW springs). Large china clay ships use the harbour — they can swing on their moorings and require a very wide berth. The deep water creates significant scope requirements. Use 80m in neap conditions. Old mooring chains mean a trip line is strongly recommended.
Set this in Safety Anchor Alarm — FreeThe Anchorage
Anchor in 5–10m (CD) in the wide harbour north of the town, keeping clear of the main channel used by china clay vessels, the ferry lanes, and the mooring trots. Mud and sand — generally good holding, but the bottom is patchy and there are old mooring chains; use a trip line. The harbour is naturally deep (minimum 6m in the fairway) and provides good shelter in all but strong NW winds which have a fetch along the wooded valley. Tidal range approximately 4.5m springs — actual depths at HW reach 9.5–14.5m. Contact Fowey Harbour Commission on VHF Ch 12 before anchoring.
Setting Your Anchor
Check the current tidal height using UKHO Admiralty TotalTide or EasyTide before anchoring — with 4.8m springs at Falmouth (and up to 4.9m at Newlyn), the actual depth at HW is considerably greater than Chart Datum. Add the current tidal height to the CD depth shown on your chart to find the actual depth at your chosen spot.
Bottom at Fowey Harbour: primarily mud and sand. Deploy 7:1 scope minimum (84m at 12m CD — allow for HW tidal addition). Motor astern firmly to set the anchor before relying on it.
Set your GPS anchor alarm to 95m radius before sleeping. Atlantic swell watch: even in settled conditions, check the MetOffice SW England inshore forecast and NAVTEX before turning in — fronts can arrive with 6–8 hours' notice and swell builds quickly in exposed anchorages.
Recommended anchor types: Rocna, Mantus, Delta, Bruce.
Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm
Set GPS anchor alarm to 95m radius. 95m radius for the Fowey Roads anchorage in a 4.5m tidal range. Actual depths at HW reach 9.5–14.5m in the primary zone — ensure minimum 7:1 scope (66–101m of rode at HW springs). Large china clay ships use the harbour — they can swing on their moorings and require a very wide berth. The deep water creates significant scope requirements. Use 80m in neap conditions. Old mooring chains mean a trip line is strongly recommended.
May–September. Fowey is best visited on weekdays or outside the regatta week in August. The deep water and lack of a bar make it accessible year-round as a passage port. The harbour is wonderfully sheltered in winter and spring — a quiet, characterful stopping point on a Channel cruise.
Navigation Hazards
- China clay cargo vessels use the harbour regularly — they may move at any time; keep well clear of their berths and swinging circles; monitor VHF Ch 12
- Old mooring chains and ground tackle throughout the harbour bottom — use a trip line; fouled anchors are common in the deep mud and sand
- Bodinnick vehicle ferry crosses continuously — do not anchor in its lane; the ferry has right of way
- NW winds have a fetch along the wooded valley and can create uncomfortable chop in the anchorage — in strong NW weather move up the river to Mixtow Pill
- Tidal range 4.5m springs — actual depths at HW much greater than CD; plan scope at maximum HW depth for overnight anchoring
Rules & Regulations
- Permit: No special permit required
- Anchoring fee: Harbour dues approx £10–15/night for anchored vessels (2025). Contact Fowey Harbour Commission on VHF Ch 12.
- Mooring buoys: Available — fee may apply; contact harbour authority
- Restrictions: Large china clay vessels have absolute priority in the fairway — keep well clear; they may be moving at any time day or night. Contact Fowey Harbour on VHF Ch 12 for designated anchorage areas. Bodinnick–Fowey vehicle ferry crosses the river continuously — do not obstruct. Speed limit 6 knots in the harbour.
- Tidal predictions: UKHO Admiralty TotalTide / EasyTide (ukho.gov.uk) for Chart Datum tidal heights at this port.
- Coastguard: HMCG Falmouth MRCC — VHF Ch 16 at all times; safety broadcasts every 4 hours on Ch 16.
Facilities
- Fresh water: Available
- Fuel: Available
- Restaurant: Excellent restaurants and cafes in Fowey — The Fowey Hotel, Sam's bistro, the Ship Inn. Fresh fish and chips from the quayside. Good provisions from the town's independent shops.
- Provisions: Available nearby
- Wi-Fi: Available
Skipper's Tips
- Call Fowey Harbour Commission on VHF Ch 12 before entry — the harbour is busy and they will direct you to a safe anchorage area clear of commercial traffic
- Anchor north of the town (towards Wiseman's Pool) for better shelter and more swinging room away from the commercial vessel zone
- The Fowey Regatta (mid-August) is one of the best in Cornwall — plan around it or embrace the spectacle, but expect the anchorage to be packed
- A dinghy trip to Polruan on the east bank gives a perfect view of Fowey town and access to the small Polruan quayside pub
- Du Maurier's house 'Readymoney' is a short walk from the town quay — the literary heritage of Fowey (Q's statue, du Maurier's museum) makes it worth a rainy-day shore excursion
A note on this guide: Always check current weather, NAVTEX/VHF bulletins, and UKHO Admiralty charts. Depths given to Chart Datum (LAT) — add current tidal height for actual depth. Use a GPS anchor alarm — never rely solely on a guide for navigational decisions.
Sleep peacefully at Fowey Harbour
Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position and alerts you the moment your boat drifts outside your set radius — essential in Cornwall & Devon where 4.8m spring tides require careful scope management and Atlantic swell can build overnight.
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