Looe
and
District
Sandplace Apartment, Hannafore Lane, Looe, Cornwall, PL13 2DD
The name Looe comes from the Cornish word logh, meaning ‘lake’, and is a reference to the confluence of the East and West Looe rivers, which at high tide has the appearance of a lake. The name originally applied only to the town on the east side, which was granted borough status in the 12th century.
The medieval street plan is still evident in the seven sub-parallel narrow streets on the reclaimed land behind the sea-front. The settlement on the west side, which became a borough in the 13th century, was called Porthbyghan (Cornish for ‘small harbour’). After the towns were joined by a bridge c.1411, they became known as East and West Looe.
Looe has always been a commercial fishing port, and today it successfully combines this traditional industry with being a seaside resort. Enjoy exploring the town on both sides of the river, including climbing high up in order to view the town and harbour from different vantage points.
If you want to eat out, restaurants, cafes and pubs abound; seven establishments in West Looe and at least thirty-five in East Looe.
WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE OF LOOE
As shown on the accompanying map, the coastal belt either side of Looe is well endowed with minor roads, tracks and footpaths for the walker.
Also shown are the bus routes and principal stops, since going one way by bus doubles the range of walks.
The bus timetables are found on the company’s web-site at www.westerngreyhound.com
We recommend especially the coastal path and the paths in Kilminorth Woods. The coastal path to the west between Polperro and Looe, and to the east as far as Millendreath is easy to walk and provides beautiful views.
The coast-path between Millendreath and Seaton is rather strenuous; it is easier to walk on the beach if the height of the tide is below 3.5 metres, or otherwise on the coast-road.
WITHIN EASY DRIVING DISTANCE OF LOOE
If you come to Looe by car, the easiest route from the east is shown on the map: cross the Tamar Bridge at Saltash, follow the A38 to Trerulefoot (6 miles), turn left on A374 for 1 mile, turn right on A387, follow signs to Looe (A387 and B3253) for 7 miles.
Attractions within easy driving distance are listed below, according to category.
Those within each category are listed approximately in order of distance from Looe, except for beaches and coastal settlements, which are listed from west to east.