Season: summer
It was wet and mild at Tintagel for this re-visit, but the sun broke through after a while. The recent rain caused the waterfall to be at full power and the receding tide allowed me into Merlin’s Cave, just as the sea was falling back spasmodically. The beach was busy with European and Japanese visitors, enthralled by the Mallory take on the King Arthur legend. The practicality of the Haven, as Castle Cove is known, was clear to see though, from a shipping perspective, as it lies in the lea of the prevailing south westerly winds and has a convenient loading area, protected by a wall, for deep-drafted vessels.
With Lauren on Castle beach, Tintagel, as she explains what the beach means to her.
Norwegian Geir endorses the calming effect of the beach.
Inside Merlin’s Cave, a sea tunnel under the island, as the tide starts to fall back.
On Castle beach in the rain.
Season: winter
Tintagel, the legendary birthplace of King Arthur and a seat of Cornish kings of old, was wild and spectacular for my January visit. I went to the beach at Castle Cove, as it’s known locally, under the island reputed to be Camelot. I was able to see inside a double-ended sea cave below the bridge, known as Merlin’s Cave. The sea was rough and the waves were wild. It’s a good time to visit Tintagel, as it gets packed in the summer, due to the Arthurian connection.
Castle beach, from the waterline.
A sea cave at Tintagel.
3 ladies walking via Tintagel, on a day out together.