Tintagel and Tintagel Castle

Attention was first focused on the area when Turner painted Tintagel Head in 1819. Interest grew in 1842, when Tennyson wrote up his poem Morte d'Arthur, followed by Idylls of the King. Interest in the legend reached a peak in the Victorian era when the North Cornwall Railway arrived at Camelford in 1893 to open the area to a large influx of tourists.

There is no real evidence to show that this imposing site has any connection with King Arthur. But there is no doubt that the site was once an important defensive position. This walk not only explores Tintagel Head, but also visits a variety of other interesting sites, including some abandoned slate quarry workings. The route takes in some spectacular coastal scenery and provides an ample opportunity to observe the many seabirds that frequent the cliffs.

Tintagel village is generally very busy in the summer months. It is an easy stroll down Church Street to Tintagel's church, dedicated to St Materiana. It is possibly Norman, but unusually the tower rises from its west end. Inside there is a Roman milestone (AD 250) in the south transept and a Norman font and windows. In the churchyard some of the slate headstones are buttressed by small stones against the strong westerly gales.

The Old Post Office in the centre of the village is a 14th century house based on the plan of a medieval manor house. It became the letter receiving office during Victorian times. Now it has been restored and is owned by the National Trust.

There is a coastal path leading above Glebe Cliff and through the Old Golf Course, once owned and supported by the church. Below the youth hostel is Gull Point Slate Quarry. This was last worked in the 1920's when men were lowered from the cliff top to work the beds of slate. Lambhouse Quarry and Longhouse Quarry are nearby, both having ceased operating.

Across from the lip of Long Grass Quarry a large cave can be seen, enlarged by the quarrymen. In fragments of slate look out for the 'Delabole Butterfly', a fossil resembling a Manta Ray. In fact, it is a shellfish that was buried in the mud that formed the slates some 350 million years ago, and was subsequently squashed into this shape.

Along the coast, extensive bird life can be observed. Fulmars glide along the tops of the cliffs where Guillemots, Razorbills and Shags all nest. In summer, Common Heather and Gorse provide wonderful colouring on the tops, while Bracken dies to a rusty red in autumn.

On the rocks Sea Lavender and Rock Samphire grow. The latter is a fleshy plant with a distinct tangy salty taste. It was once a common food and can be eaten neither pickled or fresh.

Many sailing vessels used to frequent Tintagel Haven, a naturally protected harbour. Coal was unloaded, slate taken away, and the boats 'hobbled' in and out of the haven. This was a procedure whereby the small sail boats were part rowed and part pulled by ropes.

Tintagel Castle on Tintagel Head is reached by a hanging footbridge and steeply ascending stone steps. The castle was built in the 12th and 13th centuries. The walls now look extremely precarious, but extensive restoration work has ensured the footpaths are safe. The castle site is well maintained by English Heritage.

From the summit of Tintagel Head there are fine views along the coast, and the real sense of its defensive position can be appreciated. The idea that this site was once a Celtic monastery is now thought to be incorrect, but it was certainly a pre-Norman trading settlement or chieftain's stronghold. The flat summit is a good location to enjoy the view or a picnic before taking the path back to the castle, and afterwards back into the village of Tintagel. On the return walk look out for the impressive site of Camelot Castle Hotel, an imposing building in a picturesque setting on the cliffs.