May 21, 2026
Last month I joined the British Heritage Trust so that I could get reduced fees at various sites (Hadrian’s Wall, etc.) and I have used it a few times, certainly enough to pay for itself. I also am discovering interesting things. I have never heard of Tintagel Castle before, and I should have. I decided to go visit it before I leave this area, this country, and it is just 25km from Home Free at Padstow.
This morning I was up and raring to go, but decided to do the laundry first . . . then go. To make the ride 25km (instead of 40), there is a ferry that leaves from the docks beside me and so I took that ferry. While waiting to cross, a large triple masted ship came into port and it just squeezed in through the gate. I thought I was tight getting through!
The bad news is that I am no longer the largest boat in the harbour, although I will try to claim prettiest boat if pressed.
The ride to the castle was far more arduous than I expected, and it wasn’t the distance. The hills were relatively short but a few were behemoths with grades as high as 20%. I am geared for hills to 8% and I have pressed up some 12 & 13% grades, but 20% meant walking.
Still I rode, it was a good day and I got to the castle. I won’t get into a lot of details on the castle, but it is a spectacular location. Definitely worth the ride.
Riding back to the boat was just as arduous as riding to Tintagel, although I took a route that was a little bit easier (fewer climbs) but a little bit longer. On the return, the ferry loads on the beach due to low tides which means that I was covered in sand! Ugh.
When I returned to the boat I found it ‘hanging’ from the lines. They let out just a little too much water before closing the gate and so I had a lot of pressure on the lines. It all worked out. No problems, just a little bit lopsided for 6 or 8 hours.
It was also sunny and warm. Temperatures were up to at least 18C! It was a great day.