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 maginificent sea and coastal views, and lots of interesting wildlife.
Map
Start:
Boscastle car park, grid ref SX101912
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.
2
Turn left out of the car park onto the pavement and follow the path around past a cluster of shops on your left.
3
Cross over the road onto a private road belonging to us.
4
Follow this road along the course of the river and cross over the first bridge on your left.
5
Turn right after the bridge and follow the road to the harbour.
Breaking the sea
The breakwaters were a vital component of the harbour due to the ferocity of the sea conditions on this stretch of coast. Walter White, who visited Boscastle in 1861, described the sea conditions as set in tremendous fury. The outer breakwater was built 1820, but destroyed in 1941 by a drifting mine. It has subsequently been rebuilt by us.
6
Take the stone steps leading up to the coast path across some rocks, take care on rocks.
7
On top of the steps there is a good view of the harbour, blow hole (at low tide), the old Victorian pool and remains of shellfish tanks.
A safe haven
Boscastle is one of the few harbours on this coast, and the only one of significance between Clovelly and Padstow. Given the tortuous harbour entrance most large ships were towed or hobbled in by an eight man hobbler boat, whilst more men on shore took other ropes to keep the ships in the middle of the channel. In Victorian times as many as 200 vessels came each year, bringing coal, ironwork and limestone from South Wales and fertiliser, timber, corn and general merchandise from Bristol.
8
Return down the steps the way you came and back past the bridge.
The flood and the 'miracle'
Monday 16 August 2004 started as a pleasant, sunny summer day in Boscastle, with no indication that a freak cloudburst would unleash a ferocious flood that would devastate the village. A torrent of floodwater roared through the valley, crushing buildings and bridges and tearing up roads. People were left clinging to the roofs of buildings, necessitating the biggest peacetime airlift rescue that Britain has ever seen. Against all the odds, there was no loss of human life that day, due in great part to the bravery of individuals and the rescue services; this became know as the miracle of Boscastle.
9
Keep going alongside the river to the main road.
10
Cross over the main road and follow the pavement back to the car park.
11
We hope that you really enjoyed this one-mile walk. The National Trust looks after some of the most spectacular areas of countryside for the enjoyment of all. We need your support to help us continue our work to cherish the countryside and provide access to our beautiful and refreshing landscapes. To find out more about how you too can help our work as a volunteer, member or donor please go to www.nationaltrust.org.uk.
End:
Boscastle car park, grid ref SX101912
