This is Boscastle, Cornwall. The photo above shows the hazardous entrance to the harbour. 100 years ago this was the only place a harbour could be built on this stretch of Cornwall's intimidating north coast.
It was an active port and harbour, until the railway reached Cornwall in 1893. Today there are just a few fishing boats and pleasure crafts in the harbour.
Boscastle is now very much a tourist destination. There is a large car park and from here it is a walk to the old harbour wall. You can't get lost - you just follow the small river, as shown in the photo below.
Along the valley there are a few cottages and buildings ...
... most constructed from local stone.
You'll also find a Witchcraft Museum! It is said to be the oldest and largest collection of items relating to witchcraft and the occult in England.
The river gradually widens. I snapped the photos when the tide was low.
There's somewhere to get a cuppa or lunch in Boscastle. Several of the old buildings now cater for tourists needs.
At last we get the first glimpse of the old harbour wall, only a couple of small boats to be seen.
A close up of the stonework of the harbour wall, said to have been built way back in 1584.
Another view of the entrance to Boscastle harbour.
The photo below was taken from the harbour wall looking inland.
There's somewhere to tie up your boat.
On our walk we now had to retrace our steps to a small bridge so we could get to the other side of the valley. The photo shows the main harbour wall from a different angle and also the smaller second wall.
There's a footpath on this side of the river so as to get a higher view from the cliff top.
The photo below is looking inland from the footpath.
After the walk we meandered back to the car, passing The Cobweb Inn ... but then we realised it's possible to also walk along the valley inland, which leads to St. Juliot church.
The church has a significance for any Thomas Hardy followers. He was the architect for the church restoration in 1870 - and it was here that he met his first wife. It is believed that their love affair was his inspiration for his novel A Pair of Blue Eyes.
All very pleasant!
Also see: The Coincidence Meeting at Boscastle
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