Tintagel to Port Isaac

This exciting section of the South West Coast Path takes you from the mystical heartland of Cornish legends, Tintagel, to the picturesque fishing village of Port Isaac. The path offers a blend of rich history, dramatic cliffs, and stunning coastal views that will leave you breathless.

Distance:

9 miles (14.5 km)

Difficulty:

Challenging

Starting Point: Tintagel

Your journey begins in Tintagel, a place steeped in Arthurian legends and home to the famous Tintagel Castle. After exploring the ruins and enjoying the coastal views, head north along the path from the castle’s visitor centre.

Note: There’s an entrance fee to enter Tintagel Castle, but the coastal path is free to access.

Trebarwith Strand (2.5 miles from Tintagel)

Leaving Tintagel, the trail descends steeply towards Trebarwith Strand, a popular sandy beach surrounded by impressive cliffs. The path offers spectacular views of Gull Rock. It's a great spot to take a break and enjoy the stunning views.

Facilities: Public toilets and a café are available at Trebarwith Strand.

Treligga (4 miles from Tintagel)

From Trebarwith Strand, the path climbs steeply again to reach the remote hamlet of Treligga. This is where the challenging part of the walk begins, with several steep ascents and descents. However, the panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean make it worthwhile.

Facilities: None in Treligga, so make sure you have all you need.

Delabole (6 miles from Tintagel)

Continuing along the path, you'll pass the towering slate cliffs of Delabole Quarry, once the largest man-made hole in Europe. You can see the layers of slate that have been cut away over the centuries, a testament to Cornwall's industrial heritage.

Facilities: None directly on the path, but Delabole village, a little off the path, has shops and pubs.

Port Gaverne (8 miles from Tintagel)

After Delabole, the path descends into the secluded cove of Port Gaverne. This small, sheltered inlet was once a thriving port for the slate industry and is now a popular spot for swimming and rock-pooling.

Facilities: Port Gaverne has a pub and public toilets.

Final Stretch: Port Isaac (9 miles)

The last stretch of the path takes you into the heart of Port Isaac, recognisable to many as the filming location for the TV show ‘Doc Martin’. This charming village, with its narrow streets and traditional Cornish cottages, is a perfect place to end your walk. Relax in one of the many cafes or pubs, or explore the small, independent shops.

Facilities: Port Isaac has plenty of amenities, including cafes, pubs, public toilets, and shops.

Points to Remember

Terrain: This section has many steep ascents and descents, so good walking boots are essential.

Facilities: Limited between Tintagel and Port Isaac, so carry water and snacks.

Weather: Coastal weather can change quickly – bring layers and a waterproof jacket.

Seasonal Refreshments: Available in Tintagel, Trebarwith Strand, Port Gaverne and Port Isaac.