Walk - Boscastle Farm Shop - Beeny Cliff

Route Description

1. From the Farm Shop go into the field at the rear. Cross the field, bearing right and downhill to the Cornish hedge along the bottom.

You have reached the South West Coast Path, which runs along the bottom of this field.
Cornish hedges are a feature of this area. Unlike hedges in most parts of the country, they are stone-faced earth banks with vegetation growing out of the top. Some date back as far as the Bronze and Iron Ages, while many more are of medieval origin.
Immediately below is the impressive cove of Pentargon. There is a local colony of seals near here and it is quite common to see seals swimming in the cove. In addition, a pair of peregrine falcons nest on the cliffs near here and it may be possible to hear their rather melancholy cry. If you are lucky you may see one of these magnificent birds. They are said to be the fastest birds on the planet, reaching speeds of approaching 200mph (320kph) as they dive onto their flying prey from above.

1. Go right for a short distance to reach the kissing-gate in the corner of the field. Go through the gate and descend the steps. Be aware there are nearly 200 steps! Cross the bridge at the bottom and the steep stepped descent is now followed by a stiff climb up the other side.

As the path passes along the north side of Pentargon the top of a waterfall is seen, tumbling down from the stream crossed a little earlier. As mentioned earlier in this leaflet, the waterfall is the result of long-term coastal erosion eating back the cliffs up the valley. The stream now ends abruptly before it naturally would. Thus it falls rather than flows into the cove.

1. The Coast Path descends past the mouth of Pentargon then continues along the sloping face of Beeny Cliff.

This narrow path is an exhilarating experience, but perhaps one to be approached with care by sufferers of vertigo.
There are excellent views along the coastline, south-west past the white lookout station at Willapark (passed on another of the Farm Shop walks) and on to the flat top of Tintagel Island. North-east is the triangular shape of Cambeak and, in the distance, the white dishes of the satellite tracking station at Morwenstow, beyond Bude.

1. Soon the path approaches the foot of the craggy Fire Beacon Point.

If you have the energy by all means follow the path to the top there are excellent views. But remember you will have to return this way and still have to negotiate Pentargon again on your way back. However, if you do have plenty of time and energy note that at the top the path follows a level cliff for the best part of a mile (1.75 km).
The height and prominence of the headland gave rise to its use as a beacon, and hence its name.
Seals are often seen here and their weird haunting sound may be heard echoing from the cliffs. The little inlet and cave a little way back is called Seals Hole.

This Taster now returns to the Boscastle Farm Shop, back along the Coast Path, past Pentargon and up the steps to the gate at the top. From the gate cross the field diagonally left, inland, to the Farm Shop.