Leg 1 - Bude to Port Isaac

I thought that each week I could write a little bit about the route starting with the first leg, Bude to Port Isaac.


Bude is a small port slightly set back from the coast which used to be well connected by canal and rail into the late 19th century which have since closed.


I will be heading south along the path to Widemouth Bay and on towards Crackington Haven, a popular cove, passing High Cliff, one of the highest points on the coastal path (233m / 732ft) and then on to Boscatle Harbour.


This route covers a series of valleys and headlands with the pathway being quite rugged, with short steep ascents and descents.


Crackington Haven is apparently popular with geology students and was once a busy little port where boats would run aground with incoming cargoes such as coal and limestone and outgoing cargo such as slate.


Boscastle Harbour was developed in the 16th century and enjoyed a good trade up to the 20th century even though in wild weather conditions the approach into the harbour was fraught with danger.


On the next stretch to Port Isaac I will pass through Tintagel and the legendary birthplace of King Arthur, Tintagel Castle (pictured below).  There is little evidence to back up this claim but does have 2000 years of history.  It is the site of a 5th/6th century stronghold and a 13th century castle but has been in ruins since the 16th century.  If I'm ahead of time I might have a little jog round and explore some of the ruins for myself.

My first leg lands me in Port Isaac, which was once a thriving port for shipping slate as quarrying slate has been carried out for 500 years at 10 different locations along the coast, one being at Lanterdan which I will pass just before Port Isaac.


A fifth of my journey will then be over!


http://www.justgiving.com/Rob-Webb2


Bobby