Tintagel to Port Isaac
(Our overall day number 52 - Part of The KC3 ECP Leg 5b - Tintagel to Port Isaac)Tintagel to Port Isaac
29th April 2024 | Miles 8.8 | Elevation gain 2430ft
Just under nine miles along one of the tougher sections of the South West Coast Path, climbing away from Tintagel up to the cliffs, then sharply down after a couple of miles into Trebarwith Strand, where there are refreshment opportunities - we had coffee and cake at the Strand Cafe. Straight upwards and then right back down again to Backways Cove. Along the cliff tops for a couple of miles before four steep valleys in quick succession, finally climbing to the highest point of the walk at the seven mile mark and then a descent into Port Isaac.
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Getting there and back
There is no easy direct bus between Port Isaac and Tintagel - this involves the 96a bus out to Camelford to change for the 95 bus to Tintagel - almost a two hour trip. With guest walkers with a second car available, we took the easy way out and parked one car either end.
Weather conditions
Windy with gusts of 40 mph, with regular rainy squalls. This made the path fairly slippery and the downhill stretches in particular required a careful approach.
Walking difficulty
This short nine mile stretch is one of only a few rated 'severe' by the South West Coast Path Association guide book. We completed it in windy wet conditions, and it lived up to its rating!
The story of our day in photos
.jpg "The new bridge (opened 2019) across to Tintagel Castle. Taken the day before the walk, hence the blue sky!")
The new bridge (opened 2019) across to Tintagel Castle. Taken the day before the walk, hence the blue sky!
.jpg "The mythical ancient King Gallos, standing guard high on The Island")
The mythical ancient King Gallos, standing guard high on The Island
.jpg "Setting off from Tintagel in chilly windy weather")
Setting off from Tintagel in chilly windy weather
.jpg "That looks like it's going to be tiring!")
That looks like it's going to be tiring!
.jpg "Wild seas, looking up the coast towards Port Isaac")
Wild seas, looking up the coast towards Port Isaac
.jpg "You can't really tell from the photo but this ridge was battered by winds funnelling through the valley behind - it became quite treacherous lower down!")
You can't really tell from the photo but this ridge was battered by winds funnelling through the valley behind - it became quite treacherous lower down!
.jpg "Relentless ups and downs - this was the first of four consecutive valleys")
Relentless ups and downs - this was the first of four consecutive valleys
.jpg "Ideal lunch stop, sheltered from the wind")
Ideal lunch stop, sheltered from the wind
.jpg "This was by Bounds Cliff, the only entrance is in the flooded corner. Cows looking on with interest!")
This was by Bounds Cliff, the only entrance is in the flooded corner. Cows looking on with interest!
.jpg "Sometimes the best and safest way down!")
Sometimes the best and safest way down!
.jpg "That's Port Isaac and we can see the car park!")
That's Port Isaac and we can see the car park!
.jpg "The 'Obby 'Oss May Day festival in Padstow - a couple of days after our walk")
The 'Obby 'Oss May Day festival in Padstow - a couple of days after our walk
Useful links
