Walk - Boscastle & Pentargon Waterfall

Walk information provided with help from Natural England. Map reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of HMSO. © Crown copyright and database right 2024. Ordnance Survey Licence number 100022021.

Difficulty
Easy

Generally flat but with one short uphill climb at the start and a more gentle descent back down to the harbour.

Start
Boscastle Harbour - PL35 0HE
Finish
Boscastle Harbour
Length
1.7 miles (2.7 km)
Summary

A short walk climbing out of Boscastle Harbour towards Pentargon Waterfall and returning via inland paths and the ‘Private Lane’. Visit at low tide, when water cascades in a booming torrent from the harbour blowhole (children will love it) - and allow time for the witchcraft museum! A brilliant walk in springtime, when the waterfall is especially powerful after the winter's rain and dazzling in the bright sunlight. There is blossom on the thorn bushes and flowers on the gorse, and violets and primroses in the hedges. Also good in autumn, when the leaves start to turn and the berries on the bushes are raided by the birds.

Public Transport

For timetable information, zoom in on the interactive map and click on the bus stops, visit Traveline or phone 0871 200 22 33.

Nearest car park

Boscastle Village (Postcode for Sat Navs: PL35 0HE).

Nearest toilets

Boscastle Village.

Nearest refreshments

Boscastle Village and Harbour.

Route Description

  1. Follow the Coast Path from the north side of the Harbour, climb the hill and continue along the clifftops to Pentargon.

On the opposite side of the harbour to the south lie the Forrabury Stitches, an ancient strip field farming system dating back to the 4th century.

The path runs betweene a stone hedge, covered in the lichen Sea Ivory, and the open maritime grassland topping the cliffs. This grassland is one of our rarest habitats and includes colourful flowers such as Dyers Greenweed and Saw-wort.

  1. Just before a traditional stone stile you will see the view of Pentargon Waterfall for the first time. After crossing the stile the walk runs inland towards a road and then alongside the hedge through a kissing gate and then through a white field gate to follow the ‘Private Lane’.

This lane was cut out of the rock to enable people to get to the harbour without payng the toll on the main road.

  1. The lane returns you to the harbour and gives great views over the lower village.

Nearby refreshments

Boscastle Village and Harbour.

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