Three of the best hostel-to-hostel walks in Cornwall

YHA Tintagel to YHA Bocastle

Not too challenging and not overly lengthy, this route from magical Tintagel to historic Boscastle allows for plenty of stops along the way. An optional detour takes you to the moss covered St. Nectan’s Glen with its captivating waterfall and hermitage, source of the legend of Saint Nectan. The hostels at either end of your walk are dog friendly when exclusively hired so why not consider gathering a group of pup owners to join you on this trip?

The route

Walking distance: 7.5 miles (get directions)

Beginning at YHA Tintagel, just a short walk from Tintagel Castle, you’ll immediately join the well-signposted South West Coast Path, passing Glebe Cliff before exiting the town. Here the path passes the rocky headland of Barras Nose, the North Tintagel Boulders and The Sisters, two imposing rocks looming just off the coast. Here sandy, sheltered Bossiney and Benoath Coves are a great place to stop for a paddle.

It’s here you can choose to leave the coastal path and head towards the village of Bossiney, following the B road out to the St. Nectan’s car park where the path to the waterfalls is easy to find. Take your time exploring the shaded woodland before returning to the coast back the way you came.

On return to the South West path, you’ll follow the rugged Trethevy Cliffs, eventually reaching Ladies Window, an Instagrammable gap in the rocks overlooking the sea. Pass Grower Rock just beyond here and you’ll catch a first glimpse of the outskirts of Boscastle. To explore the town, follow the Forrabury Stitches. Otherwise continue along the coast path, taking a left to the Boscastle Coastwatch Station for glorious views of – on a good day – almost tropical seas. It’s then on to Boscastle Harbour where you’ll find YHA Boscastle, your home for the night.

The hostels

YHA Tintagel: offered for YHA Exclusive Hire only, this spacious hostel sleeps 22 people and is an affordable choice for groups. With clean, modern bathrooms, self-catering facilities, Wi-Fi and parking on-site, everyone can enjoy a comfortable break in an unbeatable location, right on the dramatic Cornwall cliffs.

YHA Boscastle: a quaint stone-built building right on Boscastle’s beautiful harbour, this hostel is ideally located for exploring the local area, including the unmissable Museum of Witchcraft and Magic, just next door. Self-catering only, this hostel is situated next to the Harbour Light café and is within easy reach of all of the town’s pubs, restaurants and tea rooms.