A Cornish walking holiday in Boscastle

You’re planning your next walking holiday. You’ve got as far as deciding to come to Cornwall. That’s the easy bit. But where in Cornwall should you base yourselves? One place that should definitely be near the top of your best walking holiday shortlist is Boscastle.

This picturesque harbour village offers walkers everything that you’ll need to have the best walking holiday in Cornwall.

For a start, it has the Atlantic Ocean. Those that crave spectacular coastal views, hidden coves, cliffs and caves, seals and puffins, beaches and dunes will love the South West Coast Path as it climbs and dips its way northeast towards Widemouth Bay and Bude, or south west towards Tintagel, Port Isaac, Rock and Padstow. The coastal paths from Boscastle to Tintagel and from Boscastle to Crackington Haven are so memorable that these will become the walks that you’ll judge all future walks by.

If you like to mix your coastal walks with a good supply of inland rambles, then Boscastle ticks that box too. In the spring, stroll up the Valency Valley through bluebell woods towards Minster Church, almost hidden in the encroaching woodland. Or on a hot summer’s day, escape the direct sunlight by walking up the shady Rocky Valley to the magical St Nectan’s Glen waterfall.

And if you want to climb to the highest point in Cornwall, admiring the wild ponies on your way, then Bodmin Moor is only a short drive from Boscastle. Be sure to check out The Cheesewring while you’re there.

If you are up for a good walking challenge, there’s even a walk from North to South Cornwall. The Smugglers Way will take you from Boscastle Harbour to Looe via Bodmin Moor.

We know that no walking holiday is just about the walks. On the days you don’t fancy a long hike, there’s plenty to do in and around Boscastle. The Museum of Witchcraft and Magic contains the world’s largest collection of witchcraft artefacts. Boscastle’s artistic heritage is evident in its pottery and galleries and visitors love the independent shops that flourish in the village. There’s even a walking shop should you need to replace any of your well-used gear. Or you could simply head for the beach at Bossiney Cove.

Make sure to take time to walk up to the top of the village and marvel at the quaint cottages that form the true heart of the village. Then head back to the harbour and watch the sun set at the harbour mouth.

One of the reasons that Boscastle is becoming increasingly popular amongst walkers is because when you pull off your boots at the end of a long and tiring day, you’ll enjoy a great meal at any one of Boscastle’s high-end restaurants and a warm welcome at the village’s traditional Cornish pubs. If you pick the right night, you’ll hear Cornish sea shanties being sung at the bar while you drink.

The other reason walkers love Boscastle is because they can be sure they’ll get a good night’s sleep in the comfortable accommodation that Boscastle offers. Those that prefer self-catering will love, Norwood Cottage, Mariners Cottage or Boscastle Holidays. Those looking for a B&B will be well catered for at Boscastle House, The Old Parsonage or The Old Rectory. And those looking for a hotel will get a great night’s sleep in The Wellington.

Boscastle is popular with walkers all year round. But if you want to visit on a week when walking guides will be out in force, then book in to Boscastle Walking Week, which in 2022 is taking place from 27th March to 1st April.

This blog was written for Visit Cornwall by Adam Benjamin - Owner of Polrunny Farm Holiday Cottages