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Boscastle harbour and the village of Boscastle
are well worth a visit. It consists of a
small well defended harbour that is of ancient construction
(apparently being rebuilt in 1584) that leads inland to the Valency
valley. Along the valley there are many houses and gift shops has well
as a fine bakery and pottery. The village boasts many fine places to
eat drink and make merry. If you walk down the harbour on the quayside
and follow the footpath up and around to the left you will eventually
come to the Lookout. It is well worth the effort (on a clear day)
because the location of this vantage point gives unrivalled views of
some of the most rugged coastline in England. Boscastle Harbour is
almost invisible from the sea, and affords the sailors a sheltered
refuge for them and there craft, so long has they are able to
negotiate the "S" shaped entrance that cuts through the headland to
give way to a natural harbour. You can also see Meachard, a small
islet adjacent to the harbour entrance.
Boscastle Harbour at Low Tide
An aerial view of Boscastle Harbour
At the top of the village, in the Camelford direction, Bottreaux Castle can be
found. At the top of the valley lies Minster church ( St Merthiana).
Minster is beautifully situated in a wooded coombe that is almost encircled by a
small lane and completely surrounded by trees. There is a lovely woodland walk
that wends down towards Boscastle from here.
An aerial view of Boscastle towards Tintagel
A view south towards the lookout
and a view north towards Bude
Forrabury church (St Symphorian) on the other hand,
stands proud to the elements out on the headland. The Rev R. S. Hawker wrote a
marvellous little ditty on "The Bells of Forrabury." The tower is minus a peal,
and the poem, founded on local legend, tells of how a ship carrying some bells
for this church, was wrecked. They were almost in port and the pilot uttered a
pious "Thank God" for a safe voyage. The Captain immediately cried "Thank God on
Land; but at sea thank the Captain and the good vessel." A vengeful storm duly
arose and ship, captain, crew and the bells were lost to the sea. The pilot
however did miraculously survive.
"Still when the storm of Bottreaux's waves, is
wakening in the weedy caves,
Those bells that sullen surges hide, peal their deep notes
beneath the tide."
St Juliot is
situated between the Valency Valley and Lesnewth Valley.
Boscastle suffered
severe flood damage
but the work on rebuilding has been completed.
The
Pixie House has
been re-instated and the remaining regeneration is now complete.
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