Tintagel to Rocky Valley Circular Walk

Walking the Tintagel to Rocky Valley Circular Trail isn’t an overly difficult or strenuous adventure, although there are some stretches of trail along the coast that are a bit more on the rugged side. Make sure to wear proper walking shoes that will be comfortable while traversing these and the roadside sections of the route. Additionally, this is a very popular tourist area, so you will need to arrive early in order to secure parking. There is also a fee if you would like to divert from the walking route to explore Tintagel Castle, so keep this in mind if you feel like taking in some of the sights.

Featuring the mythical birthplace of the legendary King Arthur, as well as countless scenic vistas along the rugged Cornish Coast, the Tintagel to Rocky Valley Circular Walk is an exceptional adventure that should definitely not be missed if you find yourself in the area. If you like this walk but feel that it should be just a wee bit longer, why not check out the Tintagel Castle, Trethevy, and Rocky Valley Walk that heads further east to include the serene St Nectan’s Glen!

Setting out from the car park at the visitor centre in Tintagel, you will make your way west along Fore Street to head through the village, before breaking off to the left along Castle Road. From here, you will continue on the road and follow along the banks of the River Trerammett until you pass by the Tintagel Castle public toilets and the Beach Cafe at Tintagel Castle. Here, you can take a detour if you would like to pay the entry fee and explore the fascinating historical/mythical site.

Continuing along the trail, you will follow it to the northeast and enjoy the scenic views overlooking Tintagel Haven, following the coastal path as it bends to the east along the dramatic terrain of the Cornish Coast. After passing by the Bossiney and Benoath coves, you will arrive at a scenic viewpoint overlooking the Rocky Valley.

At this point, you will turn to the south and climb uphill through the valley, making your way past the Trewethett Mill and through the woodland terrain in order to arrive at the edge of Bossiney road. Turning right, you will follow the road to the southwest as it leads you back into the village of Tintagel where you began your adventure along the Tintagel to Rockey Valley Circular Walk.

Trail Highlights

Tintagel Castle

Situated on the Peninsula of Tintagel Island, Tintagel Castle is a medieval structure that was constructed by the 1st Earl of Cornwall in the 13th Century; however, the site was likely settled much earlier. Long associated with the legend of King Arthur as the supposed birthplace of the mythical ruler, the castle has been a tourist attraction since the 19th Century.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you get to Tintagel Castle without crossing the bridge?

Crossing the bridge is included with your entry ticket to Tintagel Castle and is the only way over to Tintagel Island.

Can you view Tintagel Castle for free?

While there is an entry fee to visit Tintagel Castle and cross over the bridge, the land around the castle is free to explore and offers some scenic views along the coast.