Circular walk from Boscastle to Rocky Valley

Boscastle to Rocky Valley

A circular walk from Boscastle along the dramatic coastline of islands and arches towards Tintagel, following the cascading river up Rocky Valley past the ruined mills and labyrinthine carvings and returning via the mediaeval churches of Trethevy, Trevalga and Forrabury.

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Download the (free) app then use it to purchase this walk.
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The app will direct you to the start of the walk via satnav.
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The app guides you around the walk using GPS, removing any worries about getting lost.
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The walk route is described with detailed, regularly-updated, hand-written directions.
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Each time there is a new direction to follow, the app will beep to remind you, and will warn you if you go off-route.
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A map shows the route, where you are at all times and even which way you are facing.
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Each walk is packed with information about the history and nature along the route, from over a decade of research than spans more than 3,000 topics.
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Once a walk is downloaded, the app doesn't need wifi or a phone signal during the walk.
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The app counts down distance to the next direction and estimates time remaining based on your personal walking speed.
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We keep the directions continually updated for changes to the paths/landmarks - the price for a walk includes ongoing free updates.

either as a GPS-guided walk with our app (£3.29) or a PDF of directions (£2.79) Example of directions

The walk starts with a climb from Boscastle Harbour onto Forrabury Common and joins the coast path, passing the mediaeval field system of "stitches" and the coastguard lookout. The route continues past "The Ladies Window" archway near Trevalga, before descending into the salte canyons of Rocky Valley. The walk follows the river to the top of Rocky Valley and then climbs up to Trethevy, where there is a mediaeval chapel and holy well. The route from here heads across farmland to Trevalga, passing the church and ancient wayside cross, before reaching the church at Forrabury and finally descending into Boscastle.

Highlights

  • Historic fishing village and harbour at Boscastle
  • Spectacular coastline around Trevalga
  • Labyrinthine stone carvings in the ancient woodland of Rocky Valley
  • St Piran's holy well and chapel at Trethevy
  • Picturesque hamlet of Trevalga
  • Mediaeval land tenure at Forrabury Common, surrounding its historic church
  • NT café (available to non-NT members) on the harbour in the old pilchard cellars

Considerations

  • The route includes a 400 metre stretch and a couple of shorter stretches of the B3263 where traffic is likely, especially in busy holiday periods.
  • Route includes paths close to unfenced cliff edges.

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Vital statistics

  • OS Explorer: 111
  • Distance: 6.2 miles/10 km
  • Steepness grade: Moderate
  • Recommended footwear: Walking boots, or trainers in summer
  • Pub: ✓
  • Café: ✓

OS maps for this walk

Click or tap on map for more info (blue=laminated)

Pubs on or near the route

  • The Cobweb Inn
  • The Wellington Hotel

either as a GPS-guided walk with our app (£3.29) or a PDF of directions (£2.79) Example of directions

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