Tintagel

On the northwest coast of Cornwall there is a small island rock where a path, a small bridge, plus148 steps lead to a wooden door and into castle ruins where legend says is where King Arther was conceived. Walk around this small island and you'll be treated to beautiful sea views of the castle ruins on the headland and island, the sea cliffs on all sides, and the ruins and remains of settlements from the medieval ages.  It's breathtaking!

Legend has it that Tintagel Castle was the site of Arthur's birth in the late fifth century, but there is precious little proof of this. The first mention of Arthur is from Geoffrey of Monmouth, a 12th century Welsh cleric, who gave the earliest account of Arthur's life in his book History of the Kings of Britain. He claimed that he was copying an ancient manuscript he had in his possession, but he appears to have invented most of his story, even though some aspects seem to have existed in early Celtic myth.

What is certain is that there has been a settlement on the island for at least 1300 years and that it has been a trading center at various times through the centuries.  And there are the ruins of a castle, fortress, and settlements that have been there for a millennium.

In the last couple of years there have been interesting finds in the excavations on the island. They support the idea that in the 5th and 6th centuries, the settlements here were part of a well-developed trading network reaching from the Mediterranean to the British Isles. You can read more about the recent archeology here -- it's quite interesting. 

At the highest point of the island stands a stunning 8 foot bronze statue of King Arthur gazing back at the ruins of Tintagel castle. It was installed in 2016 and created by sculptor Rubin Eynon.  I found it stunning and perfect for it's setting. It's is quite a sight to behold.

There are so many spots on the island that are enchanting.  Wooden doors that lead to beautiful vistas, fascinating ruins, cliffside paths, caves, and interesting history. Tintagel is definitely worth a visit.  

Below the ruins of Tintagel Castle, are caves that are believed to be where Merlin, the magician, lived. The caves are accessible from a footpath, but fill with water at high tide. Next to the caves is a beautiful cove with a bit of a beach. It is easy to imagine that this was a small port to many of the trading ships that came to this part of Cornwall over the centuries. 

Tintagel is managed by the English Heritage and there is a well designed visitors center near the cove with all sorts of interesting information on Tintagel and this part of Cornwall through the ages. 

Not far form the little island of Tintagel is the village by the same name. This is the Old Post Office in the village.  It's originally a fourteenth century manor house with a topsy-turvy slate roof, recently restored and now owned by the National Trust. 

For more information on Tintagel:  

The Atlantic Highway

Tintagel Castle

Dark Ages royal palace discovered in Cornwall

Tintagel Old Post Office

Tintagel one-mile loop walk