Section 5. Crackington Haven to Tintagel - Cornwall Coast Path
Distance 11.5 miles - Grade Strenuous (7 miles) and Moderate (4.5 miles) - What these grades mean.
Start the day ascending the infamous lizard like promontory known as the Cambeak, past the Northern Dor natural sea arch at Strangles Beach, and then up up up to the heights of High Cliff which, at 731ft, is the highest cliff on the whole South West Coast Path. Keep an ear open for the cries of the seals in Seals Hole and maybe even spot them out on the rocks far below.
At the Pentargon inlet you can glimpse the waterfall as it crashes a stunning 120ft from the cliffs to the sea before you make your descent to the village and harbour of Boscastle. Those on a more leisurely schedule can choose to overnight here, allowing plenty of time to explore the harbour and inland area further, whilst also enjoying a longer visit to Tintagel castle tomorrow.
Overnight stops at Boscastle on the South West Coast Path.
Enter King Arthur's country as the trail gets more contorted and exhilarating by the mile, with a series of precipitous plunging headlands and outcrops. Past Ladies Window, with its dramatic and imposing outlook over Long Island, a steep drop then traverses Rocky Valley - a truly wonderful and energising ravine with intricate bronze age Labyrinth like carvings said to be 3,500 years old. Beyond the bizarre Elephant Rock you finally arrive in the stunning, evocative panorama at the imposing remains of King Arthur's Cliff Top Castle below Tintagel.
Climb down to the beach and Merlin's Cave to gaze up in awe at the stark ruins clinging to the cliff tops above you before taking the long climb up to Tintagel Village itself and your overnight stop.