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SWCP 13: Tintagel to Port Isaac

Challenging—Severe

14 May 2025

A rollercoaster of a walk, the stretch from Tintagel to Port Isaac features slate heritage, rugged headlands, and no fewer than eight steep valleys.

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The view over Port Isaac Bay toward Tintagel Castle and our day's walkWalking down from Tintagel towards the CastleTintagel Head- The CastleThe view ahead with the prominent Gull RockA stack left behind after quarrying at Lanterdan Slate QuarryTrebarwith StrandTrebarwith StrandThe descent down to Trebarwith StrandTrebarwith StrandThe Prince William Pub at Trebarwith StrandThe mile long todal beach at Trebarwith StrandThe descent into Backways CoveClimbing out of Backways CoveWalking along the top of Treligga Cliffs towards Tregonnick Tail with 'The Mountain' in viewThe daunting, cliffside descent down Jacket's Ridge into Tregragan ValleyThe ascent out of Tregragan Valley along the 'zawn'The ascent out of Tregragan Valley along the 'zawn'Looking back from the top of the 'zawn'The descent into Delabole Point Valley, with Ranie Point Valley aheadDescending into St Illickswell GugPort Gaverne BeachPort Isaac HarbourThe Golden LionRelaxing at The Golden Lion
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Points of Interest: Tintagel to Port Isaac

Here’s what to look out for along the way:

Tintagel Head & St Materiana’s Church

Start with views of Tintagel Castle and pass the ancient clifftop church, with slate quarry remnants nearby.

Lanterdan Slate Quarry

A dramatic old quarry with towering stacks of discarded slate — a striking reminder of the area’s industrial past.

Trebarwith Strand

A scenic beach backed by cliffs and the Port William pub, once a slate shipping store. A good stop for a paddle.

Dennis Point & Backways Cove

A steep climb leads to narrow cliff paths, followed by a descent into the valley behind Backways Cove and a zigzag climb out.

Treligga Cliffs & Tregardock

A gentler section across open clifftops with wide views, ending in a dip to Tregardock Beach and a sharp ascent behind the ‘Mountain’.

Jacket’s Ridge & Tregragon Valley

One of the day’s steepest descents and ascents through a narrow ridge and a dramatic chasm or ‘zawn’.

Dinnabroad & Delabole Valleys

More demanding ups and downs—classic Cornish coastline, wild and remote.

Ranie Point & St Illickswell Gug

Two more valleys test your legs before easing slightly as Port Isaac comes into view.

Port Gaverne

This quiet cove was once a slate-shipping hub. Still hints of its industrial past remain beside the sheltered beach.

Port Isaac

A characterful fishing village, famous as Portwenn in Doc Martin. A fitting place to celebrate — ideally with a crab sandwich!

Logistics

SleepThe Old Mill House, Trebarwith
Eat & DrinkPengenna Pasties, Tintagel
(traditional sustenance for a strenuous hike!)
The Golden Lion, Port Isaac
The Mote, Port Isaac
TravelCar to Port Isaac St. Endellion Car Park then Avida Taxis back to Tintagel

There are no easy public transport alternatives. Buses to Port Isaac come from Wadebridge and Camelford, so a change would be neede,d making the trip around 2 hours.

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