Walking Guide: Tintagel Circular Walk

This challenging 3.3-mile hike begins and ends at beautiful Tintagel Castle in Cornwall, a place steeped in history and legend.

Follow the trail down to the secluded beach, before venturing along the rugged coastline towards Bossiney and back through Tintagel village.

The views are spectacular, and refreshments from the cafe await you on your return.

DISTANCE	3.3 miles (5.3km) circular route, walking time two hours plus time to explore the site
TERRAIN	Challenging walk on established paths and lanes but with some uneven cliff paths
TRANSPORT	Pay-and-display parking available in Tintagel village
FOOD & DRINK	Drinks and food are available to buy at Tintagel Castle from the Beach Café, plus there is a picnic area with fantastic views of the coast
ACCESS & DOGS	Wheelchair access to the site is limited due to the geography. Dogs welcome if kept on a lead.
MAP REFERENCE	OS Explorer 111. Start/end at sat nav PL34 0HE.

The Route

StartVisitor Centre

This walk starts at the Tintagel Castle Visitor Centre. To get here you will need to park in Tintagel village and walk down the hill following signs to the castle. From the Visitor Centre, continue downhill until the view of Tintagel Beach opens up in front of you.

0.1kmTo Barras Nose

From Tintagel Beach, turn right and pick up the South West Coast Path to carry on around the headland, to the next headland at Barras Nose, taking a detour left to enjoy fine views across the Atlantic.

0.5kmHead Inland

Return to the path and continue above Smith’s Cliff to where the Coast Path turns right to head back inland.

2kmBossiney Village

As the South West Coast Path turns left, head inland towards Bossiney and follow the lanes to the main Bossiney Road.

3kmThe Cornishman Inn

When you reach Bossiney Road, turn right and follow the road into Tintagel Village.

3.8kmBack to the coast path

Turn left at the Cornishman Inn and follow Vicarage Hill down to St Materiana Church.

5.3kmHome stretch

After the church, turn right and walk down to join the South West Coast Path. Turn right on the path and walk towards Tintagel Castle. The walk finishes back at the Tintagel Castle Visitor Centre.

ENDNow explore the castle...

Returning to the Tintagel Visitor Centre, make your way onto the headland to discover the castle's history and legend, plus spectacular views across the open sea.

You can also enjoy a taste of Cornwall at the Beach Cafe, selling fresh locally sourced produce including fish and chips, crab sandwiches and Cornish Rarebit made with Yarg cheese.

Plan your visit

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