Short answer: Three classic walks from Boscastle: up to the white lookout on Willapark headland (short and steep, huge views); north along the coast path to Pentargon waterfall, a 120ft fall straight into the sea (lots of steps); and inland through the wooded Valency Valley, a four-mile National Trust walk, to St Juliot church, restored by Thomas Hardy.
From the harbour, climb the path on the south side to the white tower on the headland. It started life in the early 1800s as a summer house, became an anti-smuggling and coastguard lookout, and since 2003 has been a National Coastwatch station run by volunteers. Short and steep; wear good shoes. On the way you pass the Forrabury Stitches, a rare medieval field system still farmed in strips.
North along the coast path from the harbour (or from the Boscastle Farm Shop, the shorter way) to where a stream drops about 120ft from a hanging valley straight into the sea. Best after rain. There are many steps if you go down to the bridge; the view from the path is the one to get.
A four-mile (6.4km) National Trust walk inland through ancient woodland along the river. It leads to St Juliot church, restored in 1870 by a young architect called Thomas Hardy, who met his first wife, Emma Gifford, there. A branch takes you to Minster Church, hidden in the trees, with a pair of scissors carved on the tower that nobody can explain.
South along the coast path, past Rocky Valley's waterfalls and maze carvings, to Tintagel: about 5.5 miles one way, moderate. Bus 95 brings you back (not on Sundays until Easter 2027).
A cream tea or a pint. With a dog: dog-friendly Boscastle.
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