Boscastle - Canoeing, Cycling, Walking Holidays in Cornwall, The Saints Way and the South West Coast Path

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Boscastle, Cornwall : Encounter Cornwall : Canoeing, Cycling, Walking Holidays in Cornwall, The Saints Way and the South West Coast Path

Boscastle, North Coast Walking, Cornwall : Encounter Cornwall : Canoeing, Cycling, Walking Holidays in Cornwall, The Saints Way and the South West Coast Path

Boscastle, Walking Holiday Cornwall : Encounter Cornwall : Canoeing, Cycling, Walking Holidays in Cornwall, The Saints Way and the South West Coast Path

En Route Attractions - Boscastle

Boscastle's medieval Harbour is indeed a dramatic spot, a twisted miniature fjord squeezed into a knife like ravine of crags and cliffs. There is plenty to explore here and it's a worthy overnight stop on your walk for those who want to see more of the Boscastle and Tintagel areas. Below Penally point above the dog legged harbour is the Devils Bellows a blow hole which blows a horizontal jet of water across the harbour opening about 1 hour each side of low tide. The whole harbour area, promenade and walls are fascinating to wander around but don't miss the excellent Museum of Witchcraft. An historically focused exhibition with a very un-Harry Potter like collection of fascinating artefacts which explore beliefs and practices whilst tackling the stereotypes often associated around Cornwall's pagan past.

Boscastle became known to an international audience in the summer of 2004 when a 3m flash flood of water funnelled into the harbour area wreaking havoc following freak weather conditions. With over 90 residents and visitors airlifted out in a true battle against time and nature this is now a significant part of the harbours history. There is lots of information in the visitors centre about the events of that day and the epic efforts of both locals and rescue services that amazingly resulted in no fatalities. Today, with restoration work virtually complete the village is back to its stunning and appealing former self.

For the walker seeking a rest from the path, the harbour area itself has a good selection of art and craft shops, bakers, restaurants and tea gardens and several atmospheric 16th Century inns for some liquid refreshments.

This area is well worth further exploration so for those spending more time or staying overnight here then Boscastle village itself is a bit of an oasis of calm set back up the hill from the harbour area. It's a trip back in time and there is a rewarding short walk (details from the visitor centre) taking in its most interesting spots and excellent views of the harbour and inland valleys. More exploring will take you to the 42 Forrabury Stitches behind the church one of the best examples left of medieval strip farming and Celtic land use known as Stitchmeal. Combine this with a pre dinner sunset stroll to the viewpoint at Willapark with excellent views back over the village and along the coast in both directions.

For Thomas Hardy fans or those who want a break from the coastal delights, a 4 mile walk up the beautiful ancient woodland in the Valency river valley and over its old granite gate post stepping stones, takes you past an abandoned hamlet and up to the isolated and stark St Juliot's church. This is true Hardy country and locations from A Pair of Blue Eyes are all around. He met his first wife Emma here while working to restore the church and they spent their early days together picnicking by these waterfalls in the wildlife filled woods of the tranquil Valency River.