Halling Holidays: Tintagel

After such a busy period with the extended family Helen and I opted for a quiet, short week in Tintagel. The caravan site was spread along the cliff top. (Our ‘van was near to the right hand end.)

The resultant views from the site were spectacular. The weather was also predictable as you could see any changes sweeping in from the Atlantic.

Such a location and views demanded some walking. We started with a walk from Port Quin to Port Isaac (Doc Martin territory). There is a coast path which is spectacular but tough going. It defies my basic scout upbringing whereby once you have reached a contour you hold onto it. With the coastal path you ascended 40 or so steps then walked some 10 metres of level only to descend another 40 steps. Quite a work out.

The above and next shot give an indication of the amount of climbing as well as the great views.

Port Isaac is little changed from our last visit in July 2011. It continues to be well maintained – maybe a new series?

Exhausted we decided that our second day should be a restful one. Just as well as the weather turned very ordinary. So as to end the day on a brighter note we went to a show in the evening called “Arsenic and old lace” that was held at the Stert open air Theatre North of Liskeard. It is a largely volunteer company and we opted for dinner beforehand at their café. A very flavourful stew with vegetables followed by cheese and biscuits all washed down with a great bottle of red was great preparation for the show. It was also surprisingly economic. The show itself was entertaining and a bit of fun. The yellow canopy gave an unusual hue until the lights came on.

After 24 hours we were ready for a second walk and this time opted to leave the car at the site and walk into Tintagel. The route was no less challenging than the first day and equally no less spectacular. Despite the rugged coastline there was a sandy beach in one bay. Great place to cool down until of course you had to walk back up….

What was a pleasant surprise amongst all the seagulls was a pair of Gannets.

In some parts we were sufficiently high that it almost felt like we were also flying over the cliffs.

On the return leg someone was kept going by the thought of a drink and nibbles while someone else prepared the curry dinner. If you cannot guess the who’s who in this arrangement then the next photo might help!

This could be a picture of a setting sun but was the view from the van window.

Caravanning near Tintagel meant that a trip to King Arthur’s castle was mandatory. It is enormous albeit mainly in ruins and dates back to Roman times (3rd century). Originally there was an arch to the main castle but this fell into the sea many years ago and now it requires – yes you’ve guessed it – a climb down a lot of steps followed by a climb up a lot of steps. The path in some places was quite narrow and with the large number of visitors it took quite some time to get across.

This view shows the Lower and Upper courtyard which are quite precarious. Some walls have been rebuilt over the ages as the sea slowly claims the cliffs.

The Lower courtyard was the platform for a periodic half hour show by three actors bringing to life some of the King Arthur legend – most entertaining for all ages.

Once we had undertaken the steps the view back to the mainland really showed how big the now missing arch must have been. The noise of it crashing down would have been frightening. This followed by the realisation of being cut off would have been a more than usual stressful day! (A new bridge is planned that will cantilever from either side - but not quite meet - reality v folklore - may be stressfulfor some!)

On a good day the view is spectacular.

However, this statue of King Arthur (the first King of England) supports the notion that the area supports a lazy wind. (It goes through rather than around you.)