Barras Nose headland with views of Tintagel Island and Castle ruins — The rugged Barras Nose headland | © National Trust Images / Joe Cornish

Cornwall

Tintagel walk

Enjoy memorable views of Tintagel Castle and the beach and surrounding coastline from Barras Nose headland on this invigorating clifftop walk, around what was the first English coastal acquisition by the National Trust in 1897.

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Total steps: 5

Start point

Tintagel Fore Street, grid ref: SX054886

Step 1

At the end of Fore Street take the private road signed to Tintagel Castle.

Prehistoric Tintagel

The headland of Barras Nose forms a shovel-shaped promontory that's divided from the mainland by a rocky scarp that runs almost continuously across the neck. This scarp is up to 13ft (4m) high in places. Only to the north-east is access to the headland possible without climbing over a rock face. Given the similarity between the natural features and the layout of a typical prehistoric cliff castle, it's possible this headland may have been used in prehistoric times. The discovery of flint tools suggests human activity that dates back to the Mesolithic period (10,000 to 4,000 BC).

Step 2

Turn right at the coast, cross the stream and follow the coast path going past the café building.

Tintagel Castle

Looking west, the dramatic ruins of Tintagel Castle (English Heritage) dominate the 300ft (90m) high cliffs. Started by Reginald, Earl of Cornwall (son of Henry I) about 1,140 years ago, the castle was greatly extended by Richard, Earl of Cornwall, and brother of Henry III. It fell into ruin in the time of the Black Prince. It has mistakenly been associated with the legends of King Arthur, Merlin the wizard and the Knights of his Round Table. The many popular poems of Lord Tennyson defined the romance of the place: 'black cliffs and caves and storm and wind'.

Step 3

Continue on to Barras Nose headland.

Local history

The North Cornwall Railway came to Camelford in 1893, attracting large numbers of visitors fascinated by Arthurian legends. A hotel was built, advertising itself as being on the spot where Tennyson received his inspiration for 'Idylls of the King'. Locals opposed further developments and, in 1896, £505 was raised to buy 15 acres of the clifftop. It became the National Trust's first coastal property in England. A verse by Thomas Hardy is inscribed on a stone at the entrance to the property: 'Hard by was great Tintagel's table round and there of old the flower of Arthur's knights made fair beginning of a nobler time'.

Step 4

After enjoying the views, head inland by taking the path bearing right up the hill. This path takes you close to the Camelot Hotel.

Step 5

At the hotel, exit the car park and follow the road back around to the start. You can call in to the hotel for refreshments and to see the unique interior décor and artwork.

End point

Tintagel Fore Street, grid ref: SX054886

Trail map

Tintagel walk map, Cornwall — Tintagel walk map | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey

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Fore Street, Tintagel, Cornwall, PL34 0DB

01840770024

tintageloldpo@nationaltrust.org.uk

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Tintagel walk

Total steps: 5