Clovelly To Tintagel - The South West Coast Path

This route from Clovelly to Tintagel is part of the 630 mile long South West Coast Path, originally created by coastguards to search for smugglers around the South West Peninsula. The scenery, history and wildlife along this trail are both fascinating and beautiful in equal measure, you will pass through many sites of conservational importance, charming villages and many different types of scenery.

Starting in the pleasant fishing village of Clovelly, this stretch of the Coast Path takes you through the North Devon area of Outstanding Natural beauty and the Hartland Peninsula. The route crosses over from Devon into Cornwall and during the journey walkers will cross numerous valleys, and enjoy scenery from dramatic cliffs and headlands. The varied scenery along this section is also combined with sights of historical interest such as the castle ruins at Tintagel head dating from the 13th Century.

Itinerary

Day 1:

Arrive Clovelly

Day 2:

Clovelly to Hartland Quay. 10.4 miles (16.6 km)

From the cobbled streets of Clovelly the path takes you through the Hartland Peninsula to Hartland Quay. The path takes you through woodland before crossing farmland across cliff tops. At Hartland Point, the landscape shifts from valleys and woodland to a more dramatic landscape, giving way to rocky beaches and a sense of seclusion.

Day 3:

Hartland Quay to Morwenstow. 8.5 miles (13.5 km)

This section of the route has several ascents and descents making for a challenging section, but the views are worth it. Leaving the jagged rocky coastline of Hartland Quay you will cross various river valleys and overlook the rocky coastline. There are views across to Lundy Island and of the Coast Path ahead. Waterfalls such as at Spekes Mill Mouth and combes feature along the way, you will also pass the remains of an Iron Age fort at Embury Beacon.

Day 4:

Morwenstow to Bude. 7 miles (11.2 km)

Leaving Morwenstow, the views remain stunning particularly from some points such as Higher Sharpnose Point and Steeple Point and you will continue to cross some river valleys on the way. Towards Bude the path eases and becomes less strenuous with the final stretch following sandy beaches.

Day 5:

Bude to Crackington Haven. 13 miles (21km)

Starting out from Bude, the terrain remains easy going as you follow the cliff path alongside beachs until Widemouth Bay. Shortly after this the route becomes challenging again, becoming rougher and traversing valleys with some steep descents and climbs. At Philips Point Nature Reserve Grey Seals can sometimes be seen. You will pass through Scrade, a particularly steep valley. The Path then continues along high cliff paths where you are rewarded with wide views of the ocean and dramatic coastline scenery. The views are excellent from Castle Point, and there are many waterfalls to admire, particularly at Aller Shoot.

Day 6:

Crackington Haven to Tintagel. 14 miles (22.5km)

The path along this section continues through valleys and over cliffs with some impressive drops to the sea. There is often much to see in the way of birdlife along this section and you will pass areas of wildflowers along the way. At High Cliff, the highest cliff in Cornwall at 700ft, there are incredible views, the path continues past secluded beaches and you will pass the 120ft high waterfall of Pentargon before passing through the fishing village of Boscastle. This section is particularly noted for its historical significance such as the medieval terraced fields of Bossiney Common and then as you come to Tintagel Head which was originally a Roman settlement, the remains of a 13th Century castle are visible.

Day 7:

Depart Tintagel

Price:

£725 per person based on two sharing a room

£395 single supplement

£180 solo walker supplement

Practical Information:

ACCOMMODATION:

Accommodation in Bed and Breakfasts and country inns, all rooms with private bathrooms.

Sometimes it may be necessary to book a bed and breakfast with shared bathrooms, but we would liaise with you to explain why and give you other options (i.e an upgrade to a better hotel) if no other accommodation was available.

WHAT TO TAKE

Sturdy walking boots and walking socks (with a change of socks in rucksack), rucksack/day pack, 1 x water bottle with 1 litre capacity, insect repellent, sun glasses, sun hat, sun block/cream, compass, torch, first-aid kit

WHEN TO GO

April to October. Accommodation will be difficult to obtain on UK national holidays unless booked well in advance (and may require an alteration to the programme).

GETTING THERE:

Getting there: Regular bus and trains to St Ives (from London 6 hours by train). Nearest Airport – Newquay (flights from Gatwick and Stansted), Exeter, Bristol. Please ask us and we will let you know about onward connections from the airports.

Return: Penzance Train and Bus Station

INCLUDED:

Accommodation with breakfast in guest houses, small hotels or B&Bs in rooms usually with private bathroom based on two people sharing (if we need to book a room without a private bathroom we would liaise with you first).

Daily luggage transfers and transfers as mentioned in the itinerary

Map/guide book on the South West Coast Path

Extra nights can be booked along the route

An information pack containing an itinerary, instructions on how to find your accommodation each night

Emergency assistance

NOT INCLUDED:

Lunches, dinners, drinks, insurance, anything not mentioned in programme.

INSURANCE

We recommend that you take out appropriate holiday insurance covering you against illness, injury, and loss or damage to luggage. This insurance should also cover the possibility of your having to cancel your holiday for whatever reason.