Old quarrymen’s paths, a clifftop Norman church and the legendary headland of Tintagel – with a golden beach to finish.
Trebarwith Strand is one of the finest beaches on the North Cornwall coast – a long stretch of golden sand at low tide, backed by dark slate cliffs and watched over by the island of Gull Rock. It is also the start of a classic short walk north along the cliffs to Tintagel.
The path follows ledges and tracks cut by slate quarrymen, passing the abandoned workings of Lanterdan and other clifftop quarries, before reaching the lonely church of St Materiana on Glebe Cliff. From here you can continue down to Tintagel Castle, with its legends of King Arthur, and into the village, before returning inland across the fields via Treknow.
Walk at a glance
- Distance
- Church loop about 3 miles (1½–2 hrs)
With Tintagel Castle and village about 4½ miles (2½–3 hrs) - Grade
- Moderate – a steep climb out of Trebarwith Strand, then mostly level clifftop
- Map
- OS Explorer 111 – Bude, Boscastle & Tintagel
- Start
- Trebarwith Strand car park, near Tintagel PL34 0HB
- Terrain
- Clifftop coast path along old quarry workings, steps, field paths with some stiles and quiet lanes
Parking
Large Cornwall Council pay and display car park in the valley at Trebarwith Strand (PL34 0HB), a short walk from the beach, with some smaller parking closer to the shore. Alternatively start in Tintagel, where there are several car parks including the council long-stay car park at the Visitor Centre on Bossiney Road.
Facilities
The Port William pub and a café at Trebarwith Strand (check seasonal opening). Pubs, cafés, shops and public toilets in Tintagel village. Tintagel Castle (English Heritage) has its own café and toilets – admission charge, booking advised.
Disabled access
The full circuit is not suitable for wheelchairs or limited mobility because of the steep climb and steps out of Trebarwith Strand, stiles on the inland paths and uneven clifftop ground near unfenced drops. St Materiana’s church can be reached by road, and the clifftop around the churchyard gives fine coastal views with little walking. Tintagel Castle itself involves steep paths and many steps; check the English Heritage access page before visiting for current arrangements.
The route
Trebarwith Strand to the clifftop
From the car park walk down the valley road towards the beach. Just before the Port William, pick up the South West Coast Path heading north, signed towards Tintagel. It climbs steeply up steps onto the cliffs, with superb views back over the Strand and Gull Rock.
Hole Beach and Penhallic Point
Follow the coast path north above Hole Beach and round Penhallic Point. From the headland there are views north along the coast towards Tintagel and south towards Port Isaac. Look out for seabirds and, in spring and summer, thrift and other wildflowers.
The clifftop quarries
The path now follows old quarry tracks along the edge of the cliffs. At Lanterdan Quarry a tall pinnacle of rock stands in the middle of the workings, left behind by the quarrymen. Take care: there are unfenced drops here.
St Materiana’s church
Continue to Glebe Cliff, owned by the National Trust, and the church of St Materiana, which stands alone on the clifftop above Tintagel. The church has Norman origins and a windswept churchyard with fine sea views. For the short loop, turn inland here and continue from “Back via Treknow” below.
Optional: Tintagel Castle and village
To extend the walk, continue along the coast path from Glebe Cliff down towards Tintagel Haven and the entrance to Tintagel Castle, where the footbridge (opened in 2019) crosses to the island headland. The ruins, owned by English Heritage, date from the 13th century, but the site was an important stronghold long before, in the early medieval period. From the castle entrance follow the track up the valley into Tintagel village, then return along the lane to the church.
Back via Treknow
From the church follow the lane a short distance inland, then take the signed public footpath south across the fields to the village of Treknow. From Treknow the footpath and lane lead down the side of the valley back to Trebarwith Strand – time your return for low tide if you want to explore the beach, and check tide times: it is easy to be cut off near the cliffs as the tide comes in.
All information is given in good faith and for guidance only. Always carry the OS map and check the South West Coast Path website for diversions.
Highlights along the way
Trebarwith Strand
A wide sandy beach at low tide below slate cliffs, with Gull Rock offshore.
Lanterdan Quarry
Dramatic clifftop slate workings with a lone rock pinnacle left standing in the workings.
St Materiana’s church
A clifftop church with Norman origins, standing alone on Glebe Cliff above Tintagel.
Tintagel Castle
The legendary birthplace of King Arthur – medieval ruins on a spectacular headland, reached by a footbridge.
Nearby
Photos
Where the walk starts
The marker shows the start of the walk.
Before you set out
Carry the OS map – paths and signs can change and mobile signal is patchy.
Check the weather and tide times before you set out.
Keep to the path and well back from cliff edges.
Keep dogs under close control near livestock and cliffs.