Looe (an ancient Cornish town – split in two!)
Looe is a historic Cornish town that is split into two towns (east and west). A former smuggling hub, it also features a unique banjo-shaped pier!
Always follow the Countryside Code to keep all creatures safe. Keep dogs away from steep banks, mushrooms (and toxic plants/trees) and on leads near birds, barnyard friends and wild ponies.
At the coast, keep away from nesting birds and never walk on sand dunes. Learn how to keep dogs safe by the seaside (check beach bans before travel).
East and West Looe (joined by a bridge)
Until 1898, the two towns of Looe were governed independently. Today they are governed together, but East Looe is still more touristy than quieter West Looe. Local lore called East Looe ‘the sunny side’ and West Looe ‘the money side!’ The towns are joined by a seven-arched Victorian bridge.
Did Jesus visit Looe Island?
There is a legend that a young Jesus once visited Looe Island, with his uncle Joseph of Arimathea (when he traded tin in the area). However historians say this may have simply been a story, to promote local pilgrimage routes! The location is now a nature reserve, managed by Cornwall Wildlife Trust.
Also nearby is another nature reserve at St George’s Island (a former medieval monastic site). It also served as a place for early Christian pilgrims.
Home to most of England’s sharks
Harmless basking sharks live around the English coasts, as do some other species including rare thresher sharks. Looe has around 20 species in the region (all at risk due to angling, by-catch, climate change, pollution and habitat loss). It now has a Voluntary Marine Conservation Area to help protect them.
Learn more on how to help basking and other sharks.
Polperro to Looe Coastal Walk
Polperro to Looe Coastal Walk passes a Christian holy site, and the ruins of a medieval chapel, built after pilgrims drowned, trying to reach the original on Looe Island.
It’s narrow with stony paths, steps and steep steps in places, along with cliff edges and unstable cliffs. So keep dogs and children away from such areas.
