Pont Pill facts for kids
Pont Pill is a beautiful tidal creek in Cornwall, England. It's known as Pyll Por' Reun in the Cornish language, which means 'creek of seal cove'. This peaceful spot connects to the River Fowey at Penleath Point. You can find it near the memorial for Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch, close to the Fowey harbour.
Because Pont Pill is a tidal river, you can only travel on it by boat when the water is high. This means the water level changes a lot with the tides. It's a quiet place, not changed by lots of buildings or people. This makes it a favorite spot for many different activities.
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Exploring Pont Pill: What to Do and See
Pont Pill is a great place for people who love nature and outdoor activities. It's a popular spot for bird watchers, walkers, sailors, and sport fishermen.
Boating on Pont Pill
The best way to explore Pont Pill is by a small boat. You should go at high tide. This is when the water is deep enough to travel far up the creek. You can go about one and a half miles upriver. The journey ends at a bridge called Pont. In old Cornish, this name means 'bridge of the creek'.
Walking Around Pont Pill
If you enjoy walking, you can see Pont Pill from the hills around it. A part of the South West Coast Path goes right by the creek. This path connects the villages of Bodinnick and Fowey. Walking here gives you amazing views of the water and the surrounding nature.
Pont Pill's Connection to Famous Books
Pont Pill has a special link to some well-known stories. Many local people believe it helped inspire a very famous children's book.
The Wind in the Willows Inspiration
Some people think Pont Pill was part of the inspiration for The Wind in the Willows. This classic book features characters like Mole, Ratty, Toad, and Badger. The author, Kenneth Grahame, used to spend his holidays in a nearby village called Lerryn. It's thought that his time near Pont Pill gave him ideas for the bedtime stories he told his son. These stories later became the beloved book we know today.
Leo Walmsley's Love in the Sun
Another writer, Leo Walmsley, also found inspiration at Pont Pill. He lived in a small hut right by the creek. He wrote several novels while living there. Pont Pill is the setting for his autobiographical novel called Love in the Sun. This book shares his own experiences and feelings about living in this beautiful place.
