Walk - Tintagel to Port Isaac

9.1 miles (14.6 km)

Tintagel Port Isaac

Challenging - Severe

The relatively easy walk out of Tintagel allows you to enjoy some of the spectacular views from this section of the North Cornwall coast before commencing a particularly challenging walk to Port Isaac. The path between Trebarwith Strand and Port Isaac is especially long and difficult, with some steep descents into valleys and tough climbs up to the cliff tops again, especially beyond Bounds Cliff.

Historically this area was significant for fishing and fish processing as well as slate extraction and there are remnants of these trades to be seen on the Coast Path. This stretch is designated both Heritage Coast status and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty so it is worth persevering along the harder stretches.

Port Isaac is a real reward at the end of this strenuous walk, with its beautiful alleyways, many listed buildings and harbourside cafes and pubs. You may well recognise Port Isaac from the TV series Doc Martin, as it is the village he lives in (renamed as Portwenn in the series).

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There are a range of wonderful places to lay your head near the Coast Path for a well-earned sleep. From large and luxurious hotels, to small and personable B&B's, as well as self-catering options and campsites. The businesses that support the Path, where you've chosen to visit, are listed here.

Trewetha Cottage B&B

01208 880877

Stunning location, Cornish cottage B&B furnished to a high standard. Single night stays.Pick up/drop to the Path

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The Slipway

01208 880264

The Slipway, overlooking the sea front, is a terraced bar, restaurant & hotel in the centre of Port Isaac.

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Bosayne Guest House

01840 770514

Bosayne B&B in legendary Tintagel, offers 8-guest bedrooms, a self-catering cottage and is only 300 metres from the sea. A warm welcome awaits guests in our comfortable home.

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Tregardock Farm

01840 213300 / 07775 828131

The Laos hut is a traditional design, small double bed, woodstove and solar light plus a separate hut with shower & kitchen. Totally private

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Cabin Beaver

01840 770378

A beautiful sheperd's hut located 2 fields from the SWCP. Containing a double bed, kitchenette, patio & a separate bathroom/utility/laundry.

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Tom's Cottage Cornwall

07917 628414

Idyllic rural cottage perfect to explore the Boscastle to Padstow coast. Woodburner, private parking/garden/EV charger. Highlights: Port Isaac, Tintagel Castle & Polzeath

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Dolphins Backpackers

07740 976326

We are a friendly, comfortable, affordable backpackers hostel with 4 person dorm. Kitchen available. Minutes from the Path. email or Text WhatsApp

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Bryn Trevor

A beautiful private room and ensuite bathroom. Sleeps two people. Close to Tintagel facilities.

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Seascape Hideaways at Port Isaac

07887 604295

Perched above Port Isaac harbour, The Fo’C’sle is an enchanting Grade II listed fisherman’s cottage hugging the headland to the SWCP and this beautiful stretch of coast.

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Chandlers Lodge B&B

01840 554449

A fresh, modern and cosy B&B situated in the Heart of North Cornwall. The perfect base for exploring! Two bus stops a short walk away. Supper available.

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You'll be spoilt for choice for where to eat and drink along the Path. With lots of local seasonal food on offer, fresh from the farm, field and waters. Try our local ales, ciders, wines and spirits, increasing in variety by the year, as you sit in a cosy pub, fine dining restaurant or chilled café on the beach. The businesses that support the Path, where you've chosen to visit, are listed here.

St Nectan's Glen Waterfall

01840 779538

Award-winning café. Homemade food, dog-friendly, perfect Coast Path pit stop. Open year-round.

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What is on your list of things to do when you visit the Path? From walking companies, to help you tailor your visit, with itineraries and experts to enhance your visit, to baggage transfer companies and visitor attractions there are lots to people and places to help you decide what you'd like to do. The businesses that support the Path, where you've chosen to visit, are listed here.

Tintagel Visitor Centre

01840 779084

All the information you need about where to stay, eat and drink and visit in the Tintagel area.

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Highlights

Tintagel Church of St Materiana’s with its Norman font and windows and a Roman milestone situated in the south transept.

Standing on Glebe Cliff: thought to be the site of a royal cemetery which served the dynasty of Tintagel headland.

Stunning Trebarwith Sands.

Climbing from sea level to the top of Dennis Point (300ft, 90m), taking in the views and preparing to climb back down to sea level again on the other side!

The remains of slate quarry buildings and donkey tracks around Backway’s Cove, now a haven for butterflies and coastal flowers.

Birdwatching on Bounds Cliff (420ft). This is a good place to spot peregrines and nesting guillemots and kittewakes in the summer.

The cob walled fishing cellars of Port Gaverne, which once handled 1.5 million fish a week.

Exploring the beautiful fishing village of Port Isaac, with its network of alleyways, including one especially narrow one called ‘Squeeze-ee-belly’. This unspoilt village has frequently been used as a TV and film set and can be seen in Doc Martin, Poldark and Saving Grace.

Public transport

The nearest train station is Bodmin parkway. From here you can catch a bus to Wadebridge, where you change for buses onto Port Isaac and Tintagel - the bus journey will take about 2 hours. For timetable information, zoom in on the interactive map and click on the bus stops, visit Traveline or phone 0871 200 22 33.

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