Walks Near Tintagel Castle: Exploring the Legendary Cornish Landscape

For those seeking to immerse themselves in the captivating history and breathtaking scenery surrounding Tintagel Castle, a range of enchanting walks await. From coastal paths to historic trails, these walks offer a unique opportunity to discover the legendary connections between this iconic castle and the legendary King Arthur.

What are the Top Walks Near Tintagel Castle?

Walks Near Tintagel Castle
Image ‘File:Tintagel – Romano-British and early medieval settlement, medieval church, castle and associated features on Tintagel Island and adjoining m – 20210530161739.jpg’ by Balon Greyjoy, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

The Tintagel area boasts a variety of walking routes, each offering its own distinct charm and highlights. Here are some of the most popular and captivating walks near Tintagel Castle:

1. Tintagel Circular Walk

  • Distance: Approximately 4.6 miles (7.4 km)
  • Duration: Around 2 hours, plus time to explore the castle
  • Difficulty: Moderate, with undulating coastal paths and minor roads
  • Terrain: Coastal path and minor roads, not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs
  • Access: Starts and ends at Tintagel Castle (SX050890), with pay-and-display parking available in Tintagel village
  • Refreshments: Available at Tintagel Castle café and in Tintagel and Trebarwith villages
  • Dog-Friendly: Suitable for dog walkers

2. Tintagel King Arthur Walk

  • Distance: 3.4 miles (5.4 km)
  • Difficulty: Moderate, with good paths, tracks, lanes, and pavements, but some rocky surfaces and steep gradients
  • Features: Includes the atmospheric ruins of Tintagel Castle, associated with King Arthur legends
  • Refreshments: Various options in Tintagel village, including dog-friendly cafes

3. Other Walks Around Tintagel

  • Tintagel, Church and Castle: A short circular walk of 2.4 miles (3.9 km), easy-moderate, exploring historic sites including King Arthur’s Castle and Merlin’s Cave.
  • Tintagel Church to Trebarwith Strand: A 3-mile (4.8 km) circular walk along quarrymen’s trails to the beach at Trebarwith Strand.
  • Tintagel to Bossiney: A 2.7-mile (4.4 km) circular walk via Tintagel Castle and along the coastline to Bossiney Haven.
  • Tintagel to Rocky Valley: A 3.8-mile (6.1 km) circular walk via King Arthur’s Great Halls and along the coastline to Rocky Valley.

4. Boscastle to Tintagel

  • Distance: Approximately 9.7 miles (15.6 km) one-way, considered strenuous
  • Features: Includes towering cliffs, long sandy beaches, and the medieval cliff-top church
  • Transport: Can take the bus from Boscastle to Tintagel Visitor Centre for a one-way walk

What are the Key Details for Walks Near Tintagel Castle?

Walks Near Tintagel Castle

  • OS Map Reference: OS Explorer map 111
  • Grid Reference: Starts and ends at Tintagel Castle (SX050890)
  • Sat Nav: PL34 0HE
  • Public Toilets: Available at the Visitor Centre in Tintagel, the castle, and café

Are the Walks Near Tintagel Castle Dog-Friendly?

Many of the walks around Tintagel are dog-friendly, with a few exceptions:

  • Tintagel Circular Walk: Suitable for dog walkers, but dogs must be kept on a lead.
  • Other Walks: Walks to Bossiney and Rocky Valley are generally dog-friendly.

Additional Tips for Walks Near Tintagel Castle

  • Parking: Pay-and-display parking available in Tintagel village and at Bossiney field car park.
  • Refreshments: Various cafes and pubs in Tintagel and Trebarwith villages offer refreshments for walkers.

References

  1. English Heritage – Tintagel Castle Circular Walk
  2. South West Coast Path – Tintagel King Arthur Walk
  3. Northamptonshire Walks – Tintagel Circular
  4. iWalk Cornwall – Walks around Tintagel
  5. English Heritage – Walking Guide: Tintagel Circular Walk

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