19/11/16 - Boscastle Coast and Rocky Valley

Distance - 7.1 Miles
Geocaches - 9
Walk Inspiration - Country Walking Magazine April 2014, Walk 1


This is the best walk I have completed this year.   Well, at least since the last Cornish Coastal walk, from back in April.

We head out to Boscastle - 3.5 miles away from our cottage.  We start at the Harbour Car Park right in the centre.  From the drive in, we know just how steep the early ascent back up the hills will be.  Add the mud, rain and hail into the mix and we have to question why we have left The Times and and an afternoon of Scrabble behind.

Uphill, before we hit the mud

One of the greatest things about walking is stumbling on the unexpected.  This happens at St Nectan's Glen.  We have no idea what it is, it kind of looks like a private dwelling.  However, the signs show a shop and it may be a shop that sells tea and cake.   But surely it won't be open Out of Season?  Last night, we attempted an Italian in Tintagel who's opening hours were April to September.

St Nectans Glen

Transpires that it is open - so lovely refreshments are had, whilst I contemplate buying a crystal skull, without knowing exactly what I will do with it.

We are almost seduced by the hard sell of seeing their Waterfall.  I say yes, until Mrs Mappiman points out there is a cost associated.  £5.95 per adult?  I'll use Google.

Much debate about whether natural wonders should be charged entry, as we follow the stream downhill.  We do get a glimpse of the Waterfall.  And I have £12 left for lunch.

At the foot of the Waterfall

The walking is delightful.  Pefect time to walk this route, with the leaves turning colour.  As we get closer, the signs change to show we are now in Rocky Valley.  It lives up to its name.  It shows man's influence in the area, with bronze age carvings in the rocks and deserted mill houses.

Rocky Valley

The path leads us to the sea and a spectacular up and down section of the South West Coast Path.  I could load a tonne of photos up - but you get the idea.

Easily our favourite type of walking, even if I have to promise that Boscastle is just the other side of the every coastal rise.

Arriving at the Sea

Ladies Arch - An EarthCache Ground Zero.

At Last, Boscastle is in view

The last half mile were completed in torrential rain, so Boscastle is a sight for sore eyes.  We just need to make our minds up of which of the two pubs to dry off in.

The Cobwebb Inn looks a bit more down to earth.

A Rainy Return

The Cobwebb Inn

It near perfect. Quirky interior, with bottles hanging from the ceiling and every available wall space taken up with old photos / posters from the area.  They also have the full range of Tintagel Ales - brewed just down the coast at a farmhouse above Trebarwith Strand.  I use their Wi-Fi to see if they have a Brewery shop, sensing an export opportunity.  We would love this in the Midlands.

Harbour Special today - managed to try them all during the weekend.

Perfection would have been achieved if there was a log fire to dry off in front off.  Instead, we make do with their fine fishfinger sandwiches.

Comes with salad and chips and cheaper than looking at a waterfall.