Skip to content
Man and two women walking with dog along path beside harbour at low tide, with village behind them
Visitors at Boscastle harbour, Cornwall | © National Trust Images/James Dobson
Cornwall

Boscastle Harbour walk

A gentle walk around the scenic village of Boscastle. The walk allows you to take in the river, the ancient harbour, and the famous blow hole, as well as several of the local shops and sites of interest. There are great sea and coastal views along the way, and lots of interesting wildlife to spot.

Total steps: 10

Total steps: 10

Start point

Boscastle car park, grid ref: SX101912

Step 1

Start at the Boscastle car park and follow the footpath alongside the river until you reach the end of the car park nearest the village.

Step 2

Turn left out of the car park onto the pavement and follow the path around past a cluster of shops on your left.

Step 3

Cross over the road onto a private road managed by the National Trust.

Step 4

Follow this road along the course of the river and cross over the first bridge on your left.

Step 5

Turn right after the bridge and follow the road to the harbour.

Step 6

Take the stone steps leading up to the coast path across some rocks, take care on rocks.

Step 7

On top of the steps there is a good view of the harbour, the blowhole (at low tide), the old Victorian pool and remains of shellfish tanks.

Step 8

Return down the steps the way you came and back past the bridge.

Step 9

Keep going alongside the river to the main road.

Step 10

Cross over the main road and follow the pavement back to the car park.

End point

Boscastle car park, grid ref: SX101912

Trail map

Map of Boscastle harbour walk, Cornwall
Boscastle harbour walk | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey

You made it

Share your experience

More near here

A path cutting through dense overgrowth on either side
Trail
Trail

Boscastle and the Valency Valley walk 

Explore the cliffs above Boscastle's medieval harbour before traversing the peaceful woodland and riverside path in the Valency Valley on this wonderful walk

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 4 (km: 6.4)
A close up of pink thrift growing above the water at Boscastle
Trail
Trail

Crackington cracker walk 

Discover Crackington Haven on this walk from its sandy beach to the impressive vistas of Cambeak Headland, with intriguing rock formations and varied wildlife to spot along the way.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 3 (km: 4.8)

Get in touch

Our partners

Cotswold Outdoor

We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.

Visit website 

You might also be interested in

The harbour entrance at Boscastle, Cornwall
Article
Article

Exploring Boscastle 

Boscastle is more than just a harbour village, explore woodland and see unique geological features and Atlantic ocean views.

Visitors to the National Trust cafe at Boscastle, Cornwall
Article
Article

Eating and shopping at Boscastle 

Grab some refreshments from the café, stop to browse gifts and souvenirs in the National Trust shop, and pick up a bargain read in the second-hand bookshop.

Visitor crossing water via stepping stones with their dog on an autumnal walk at Wallington

Walking 

Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.

An aerial view of an adult and baby walking a dog along a path at Baggy Point, Devon
Article
Article

Staying safe at National Trust places 

The special places in National Trust care sometimes come with a few risks for visitors, be it coastline or countryside. Find out how to keep safe throughout your visits.

A man and a woman enjoy the view whilst walking in the Peak District
Article
Article

Cotswold Outdoor: our exclusive walking partner 

Learn about the National Trust’s ongoing partnership with Cotswold Outdoor. Find out how they help us care for precious places and the exclusive discount available for National Trust supporters.

A couple holding hands and wearing waterproof gear walk up a path covered in autumn leaves, with Lanhydrock house behind them

Walking in Cornwall 

From strolls that reward you with stunning views of the South West coast to gentle inland meanders, these are some of the best walks in Cornwall.