South West Coast Path, Tintagel, Cornwall PL34 0HE
Glebe Cliff
Coastal reserve
Place photograph
6.7
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Check
Cost
Dramatic
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.7A rugged stretch of Tintagel coastline where the clifftop path looks across to the castle ruins and the sea.
The appeal here is the meeting of exposed Cornish coast and a powerful historic setting: from the nearby Barras Nose headland, the National Trust describes views of Tintagel Castle and the surrounding coastline. It is a place for a short, weather-conscious cliff walk rather than a facilities-led visit.
Dramatic · Atmospheric · Wild
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Open mapSouth West Coast Path, Tintagel, Cornwall PL34 0HE
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The experience
Walk the clifftop path for open coastal views and a look towards Tintagel Castle. The nearby National Trust route around Barras Nose is a short, moderate circuit, but its uneven cliff paths and steep steps call for suitable footwear and care.
Things to do
Walk the nearby Barras Nose circuit
The National Trust describes a one-mile circular walk from Tintagel Fore Street, with coastal views from Barras Nose. It includes road walking and uneven cliff paths.
30–40 minutes
Look towards Tintagel Castle
From the nearby Barras Nose route, look west towards the castle ruins, which the National Trust describes as standing on high cliffs.
Notice the rocky scarp at Barras Nose
The National Trust describes a rocky scarp across the neck of the headland and notes that flint tools indicate human activity dating to the Mesolithic period.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Under 1 hour
Quick cliff-top look
- 01
Join the South West Coast Path at the location shown in the source row.
- 02
Walk only as far as conditions and the path feel safe, and take in the coastal outlook.
- 03
Turn back before the route becomes uncomfortable or weather deteriorates.
Half day · 30–40 minutes for the route; allow longer for stops
Barras Nose coastal circuit
- 01
Start at Tintagel Fore Street, the National Trust’s stated start point for its nearby walk.
- 02
Follow the route towards the coast and continue to Barras Nose headland.
- 03
Pause for views of Tintagel Castle, the beach and surrounding coastline.
- 04
Return inland by the route described by the National Trust, taking care on uneven paths and steep steps.
Verified history
The National Trust says it acquired 15 acres of clifftop at Barras Nose after £505 was raised in 1896, making it the Trust’s first coastal property in England. The walk page also notes that flint tools found on the headland indicate human activity dating to the Mesolithic period. These details concern the nearby Barras Nose route and should not be treated as specific to every part of Glebe Cliff.
Folklore & legend
Tintagel’s landscape is associated with Arthurian legend, but the National Trust’s walk page cautions that Tintagel Castle has been mistakenly associated with King Arthur, Merlin and the Knights of the Round Table. Treat those stories as legend, not established history.
Hidden details
A possible prehistoric headland — The National Trust notes that Barras Nose’s natural scarp resembles part of a prehistoric cliff-castle layout and that flint finds indicate Mesolithic activity. The possible defensive use is presented as a possibility, not a confirmed site interpretation.
A verse at the entrance — The National Trust says a verse by Thomas Hardy is inscribed on a stone at the entrance to its Barras Nose property.
When to go
· Choose a clear, settled period for views; no specific time of day is verified.
The supplied sources do not establish a seasonal highlight for Glebe Cliff. Coastal weather can affect the experience, so check conditions before travelling.
This is an exposed coastal setting. Check the forecast and local path conditions; avoid continuing if wind, visibility or ground conditions make the cliff path unsafe.
The route
- surface
- Mix of road walking and uneven cliff paths
- distance
- 1 mile (1.6 km) for the nearby National Trust Barras Nose walk
- duration
- 30–40 minutes
- difficulty
- Moderate
- route shape
- Circular
- start point
- Tintagel Fore Street, grid ref SX054886 (nearby National Trust route)
- parking start
- Pay-and-display car parks in Tintagel village; not National Trust car parks. Check current arrangements.
- Views of Tintagel Castle, the beach and surrounding coastline from Barras Nose
- Rocky headland and scarp
- National Trust property described as its first coastal property in England
Worth pairing with
Tintagel Castle
A strong history pairing: English Heritage describes ruins on the mainland and island, early medieval buildings and an island reached by footbridge. Check current access, opening times and charges directly before planning a visit.
Tintagel village
The National Trust’s walk starts at Fore Street and lists village car parks and public toilets, making the village the practical starting point for the nearby Barras Nose circuit. Verify current facilities before travelling.
What to look for
Look across the cliffs towards Tintagel Castle, then notice how the rocky headland forms a distinct promontory. The nearby National Trust walk notes a rocky scarp across Barras Nose and flint finds indicating Mesolithic human activity.
The story
Tintagel Castle and the National Trust’s early coastal conservation
Best time to go
No specific best season is verified. Choose a clear, settled day and check local conditions before walking.
Pick a clear, settled day for the coastal views. Check tide and weather conditions before any coastal exploration; no specific visiting time is verified for Glebe Cliff.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Walkers · Photographers · History lovers
Before you go
Address
Listed hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
The source row places Glebe Cliff on the South West Coast Path. The National Trust’s nearby Tintagel walk uses uneven cliff paths, steep steps and gates; check conditions and access before setting out.
Check before visiting
Parking
The National Trust lists pay-and-display car parks in Tintagel village for its nearby walk; these are not National Trust car parks. Check current arrangements before visiting.
Check before visiting
Toilets
The National Trust lists public toilets in Trevena Square, Tintagel; check current opening arrangements.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
The National Trust walk page mentions a café building on the route. Check current opening arrangements.
Check before visiting
Dogs
The National Trust’s nearby Tintagel walk is listed as not suitable for dogs. Check signage and current rules for Glebe Cliff itself.
Check before visiting
Accessibility
The nearby National Trust cliff walk has uneven ground, steep steps, elevation changes and gates, and is not accessible to all. Confirm the route suits your needs before setting out.
Cost
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Water
Sea
Gallery
Place photographs
Keep exploring
Around Glebe Cliff
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
