Distance: 5 miles
Severity: Strenuous
Time it took us: 3hrs 46mins
Steps: 18,060
Boscastle is a beautiful little harbour which was attractively rebuilt after devastating flash floods caused extensive damage to this small community back in 2004.
Head down to the south side of the harbour and the Coast Path to Tintagel climbs upwards towards a white watchtower at the headland of Willapark. This is the first leg of 2020 for us and it feels amazing to be back exploring yet more stunning views that The South West Coast Path has to offer.
The guide book says this 4.6 miler should take about two and a half hours, but after tweaking my back, it took us over an hour longer. Our weather app had predicted 'sunny with a gentle breeze', but if that was gentle I'd hate to experience a gale! Cobwebs seriously brushed away, many a moment was spent watching white waves crashing against jagged rocks. We live in such a stunning part of the world.
Past Grower Gut, Trevalga, Firebeacon Hill and then down into the gorgeous Rocky Valley, before back up and out again round the edge of Bossiney Common, a grassy section above the sandy bay of Bossiney Haven.
Yet another climb to yet another stunning headland and here the Path cuts across the neck of the headland, but if you divert to the end, it's worth it for the views.
With a mile and a quarter to go, you see Tintagel Castle in the far distance as you hit Barras Nose headland. Then begins the decent into Tintagel Haven with Tintagel Castle's new bridge coming into view.
Built in 2019, the new bridge replaces the original which disappeared some time between the 14th and 17th centuries. Stretching over a 58 metre drop it link the two sides of the medieval ruin - and saves you another steep descent and climb. The bridge is skilfully made from two, 30-metre steel cantilevered sections that don't quite meet in the middle (eek), to allow for the bridge to expand and contract in changing temperatures.
With a shorter walk under your belt, there's plenty of time to immerse yourself in history and myths at King Arthur's birthplace - but make sure you book a ticket in advance.
Just four minutes’ walk from the beach at Widemouth Bay, north Cornwall, Gwelmor is a luxurious, self-catering holiday cottage which sleeps six (plus travel cot).
Our property welcomes three dogs and has a host of provisions to make your dog's stay as relaxing as yours.
Gwelmor was named the South West’s Best Dog Friendly Business of the Year 2021/2022 and won Gold at the Cornwall Tourism Awards 2021/2022.
Why not take our virtual tour and book your stay today!
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