Boscastle was a bustling port town, due to its natural harbour, before the creation of the railway to transport goods. It is home to many thatched cottages and is still a popular tourist destination. The other location linked via this coastal path is Crackington Haven, which was also a port town, specialising in the importing of coal and limestone from Wales. Both are now popular tourist destinations.

While we did not visit the areas themselves at the time of using the coastal path, Boscastle was the starting point of our 7 mile walk to Crackington Haven. In total this route took us roughly five hours to complete, with its steep dips and climbs and narrow trails it is not easy terrain in places for those who are unused to it. By the time we had finished, we were a little battered and bruised, but the views were second to none.

At points during our walk, it was a little scary and dangerous due to the high winds and very narrow paths close to the cliff face, so we needed to use our hands as an extra point of contact. It certainly got the heart pumping when we felt seconds away from being blown off!

Also, while it did appear to be a popular choice for a dog walk, if your four-legged friend is anything like ours I wouldn’t recommend it. Our Rosie absolutely adores the water and will do anything possible to find the most direct way to it, so had she been with us we would have almost certainly ended up over the edge. Another disappointment for her would have been the fact that dogs aren’t allowed on the beach in Crackington Haven during the summer months, so she would have been unable to cool off here either. It’s also important to take into account the fact that for parts of this walk it is very narrow when/if you take the path closest to the edge. So, if your dog is likely to trip you up (accidently of course) by stopping or getting under foot, I would strongly advise taking the other path.

On this walk you will encounter the tallest hill in Cornwall, which if you start your trek in Boscastle like we did, it is the first part of the walk, with views over the harbour and coastline once you reach the top (although getting there is a challenge).

Overall, despite its challenges, I would definitely recommend this walk if only for the sights, so long as you are fit and healthy enough to complete the route. (Beware if you are unused to this terrain, you will ache in the morning!)