Boscastle and the Valency Valley walk, North Cornwall

This linear walk from Boscastle harbour heads inland into the wooded Valency Valley, following the river that cut this dramatic cleft in the North Cornish coast. From the quayside you climb past the parish church of St Symphorian before reaching the earthwork site of Bottereaux Castle, the medieval stronghold that gave the village its name.

The route continues through mossy oak woodland to the Artists Chair, a quiet viewpoint above the valley, then drops to the tucked-away Minster Church, hidden among the trees on the valley side. With 461 metres of ascent packed into just over 6 kilometres, expect steady climbs and steep, sometimes slippery descents on the return leg back to Boscastle.

Back in the village, the harbour end offers plenty of reward. Penally Point and the twin outer breakwaters frame the narrow inlet, while The Cobweb Inn and The Rocket Store sit close to the finish for a well-earned drink or bite. Forrabury Stitches, the ancient strip fields above the cliffs, are a short detour for anyone with energy to spare.