Stunning coastal scenery on The South West Coast Path walk from Boscastle to Tintagel

Boscastle to Tintagel: Walk the South West Coast Path

The ancient working fishing harbour of Boscastle on The South West Coast Path — Indy prepares for the off

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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.

Trethevy near Boscastle on The South West Coast Path walk from Boscastle to Tintagel — Trethevey

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.

on The South West Coast Path walk from Boscastle to Tintagel — On the up up up

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.

Dramatic rocks on The South West Coast Path walk from Boscastle to Tintagel — Dramatic rocks off the coastline

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.

Tintagel Castle Bridge on The South West Coast Path walk from Boscastle to Tintagel — Tintagel Castle Bridge

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.

Looking out to sea from Tintagel Castle on The South West Coast Path walk from Boscastle to Tintagel — Peep hole through Tintagel Castle wall

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