Lerryn

Lerryn is a small village on the Lerryn River, a tidal creek that joins the Fowey River about 2 miles south of Lostwithiel. The village is accessed via a ford (passable at low tide on foot) or a footbridge, and has a traditional pub (the Ship Inn) at the water’s edge. The creek is navigable by small boat and kayak at high tide, offering access to the Fowey estuary and the wider network of wooded tidal creeks in this part of south Cornwall.

Kenneth Grahame, who wrote “The Wind in the Willows,” visited Lerryn in 1907 and is believed to have drawn on the wooded creeks and river banks here for some of his imagery. The National Trust woodland on the west bank of the creek is accessible via a footpath from the village. At high tide the creek fills to become a substantial waterway; at low tide the mud banks are exposed and wading birds feed along the edges.

Lostwithiel, the historic county town with a medieval bridge, castle (Restormel), and a range of antique shops and cafes, is about 2 miles north. Fowey is about 5 miles south along the river. Holiday accommodation in Lerryn is limited but in high demand - creek-side cottages with direct water access are among the most sought-after in this part of Cornwall.